THE FISH-GODS
LORE OF THE PACIFIC On tlie Mokapu Flats nears Honolulu is Ilie abode of tho Fish-Clods. Here are (he Pyramid Rocks of black lava, and the Fish-Gods arc blocks of black lava, roughly hewn, about two feet high, standing upright upon a rock platform.
The ancient Hawaiian fishermen formed a distinct community of their own and had peculiar beliefs and customs. Their small temples used to stand on almost every rocky promentory along (he coast of Oahu—mere rude piles of coral blocks, and not a pretentious stone striu-tturo like, the usual Hawaiian “lieiati,” or (emple. The Fish-Gods are called “AuMakn.” and the chief Fish-God is
“Ka nla.” He was worshipped al an altar, or “Una” : offerings and sacrifices were brought to him. and the Hnwaiians placed to him for abundant catches. Aiai the son of Ka-ula. was the me who first revealed the location of the deep sea. fishing grounds to the fishermen Undoubtedly the same beliefs prevailed among the Polynesians, as is seen even to-day in the Dance of the Waves in Fiji, which is the survival of co ancient ceremonial dance of the lislieriueti. held at limes of festivals and sacrifices lo the Fisli-Guds.
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Bibliographic details
Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 28 June 1926, Page 7
Word Count
198THE FISH-GODS Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 28 June 1926, Page 7
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