Blowing The Pu'ole

Title

Blowing The Pu'ole

Artist

Heidi Fickinger

Medium

Photograph - Photographic Print

Description

In July 2019, protestors against the building of a new giant telescope on Mauna Kea blocked the access road to the summit of Mauna Kea to stop the construction. Mauna Kea is sacred to the Hawaiian people and this new telescope was seen as a new desecration in a long line of desecration that began with the initial telescopes that were built in 1970.
This protest gained worldwide attention drawing visitors from all over the world including celebrities such as Dwayne Johnson (aka the Rock), who was born and raised in Hawai'i. At the peak of the protest, thousands of people came to join the protestors and raise their voice to protect the fragile summit environment from a new onslaught. Groups from all over the world came to pay homage to the Kapuna (elders) who were the heart of the protest and who virtually lived in an encampment that was erected at the base of the mountain for months. The protest was supported by thousands of donations including huge amounts of food and other supplies for the people who were there and for visitors. At one point classes from the local University in Hilo were taught on-site so that students could continue their studies while remaining at the site of the protest. A unique zipcode was established and mail was delivered to the managers of the camp to be distributed to protestors.
People's from nearly every Pacific Island country came to display their respect via their own ceremonial dance and other events. Every day multiple traditonal Hawaiian ceremonies were performed. The beginning of these ceremonies began with the ritual of blowing the pu'ole with the giant native triton shell. This shell is called the Pū and the ceremonial use is refered to Pu'ole.
The word 'ole' means to speak. The tradition of the 'pū' is ancient, sending out a sound that resonates attention, respect, and significance across the ocean and time. This tradition was used to herald the coming of the king, begin hula ceremonies and other gatherings.
This image captures the blowing of the pū that marked the begining of a hula dance by one of the halaus that came to dance and show respect to the kapunas.
I visited the encampment many times, bringing food and shuttling supplies and was always moved and humbled to see the enormity of support and respect by people worldwide to protect Mauna Kea.

Featured in the following FAA group galleries:
* Digital Art & Photography for a Simple Imagination
* Hodge Podge
* Fine Art America Professionals

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July 23rd, 2020

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