Sacred Landscapes and Wisdom Maps: Keawaʻula's Legacy
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Abstract
In the realm of indigenous knowledge systems, Kanaka researcher and scholar Oliveira's wisdom maps (2019) are a profound means to capture the intangible aspects of our cultural heritage and ancestral knowledge. They serve as metaphorical oral repositories, containing experiential, relational, and historical knowledge, which may not be easily reduced to written form. This essay integrates ethnographic research, historical accounts, and Hawaiian and indigenous knowledge such as moʻolelo (stories, literature, history) to demonstrate the significance of one such wahi pana (celebrated place), Keawaʻula, Oʻahu. The mo'olelo of Hiʻiakaikapoliopele, Pele's younger sister, offers us a rich example of ancestral knowledge and cultural heritage transmission transcending time and place. By tracing Hiʻiaka's journey and her interactions with the landscape of Keawaʻula and its surrounding areas, we gain a deeper understanding of ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge) and ʻike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge) through lessons of resilience, transformation, and the potential for positive change in the face of adversity, emphasizing the importance of place and the enduring connection between Hawaiians and 'āina (land). These moʻolelo are not mere relics of the past but vital tools for uplifting ʻike Hawaiʻi and ʻike kūpuna, playing a central role in our indigenous resurgence, preserving the indigeneity of these places. They also reveal their relevance in contemporary contexts inspiring a deeper connection to 'āina (land, that which feeds) by acting as a powerful link between the past, present, and future. Transformation encompasses significant changes in ʻāina and people over time, reflecting our adaptive response to life's challenges, demonstrating the depth of our connection with 'āina. Meanwhile, potential for positive change embodies hopeful anticipation of beneficial outcomes, recognizing every situation as an opportunity for improvement. This paper invites exploration of how wisdom maps reaffirm the importance of mo'olelo and our connection to 'āina, resisting the erasure of our presence from our kulāiwi (homeland). In embracing the insights of our kūpuna, we find pathways to thrive, highlighting the strength and richness ingrained in our heritage and homeland. Hiʻiakaikapoliopele's moʻolelo takes us on a journey through Keawaʻula and its neighboring ahupuaʻa (land divisions), revealing ancestral knowledge crucial for understanding our identity as Kānaka. This example of Kanaka geography illustrates methods used to map ancestral places and retain moʻolelo, shaping our identity and connection with ʻāina (Oliveira, 2019).
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