Have you ever wondered what weapons ancient Hawaiians used

in battle,, and how they crafted these brutalinstruments?

By The Garden Island

Photographs of Hawaiian artifacts and illustrations of weapons leave much to the imagination.

Intricately woven cords are lashed around wooden clubs and sticks, many times with sharks’ teeth attached.

A master craftsman who has practiced the artform for many years will teach participants to weave their own cordage and make their own functioning weapon.

The Ka‘ie‘ie Foundation and the Kaua‘i Heritage Center Of Hawaiian Culture & Arts is offering the hands-on seminar and workshop about traditional cordage weaving and lashing and weaponry, this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18 and 19, at the Anahola taro patch of Kiko‘o Road near Whalers General Store.

This marks the second session of the organizations’ ‘Aina‘ike Cultural Program Series.

Gordon ‘Umialiloalahanauokalakaua Kai, of O‘ahu, is recognized as a master artist and craftsman of na mea kaua Hawai‘i, or Hawaiian weaponry. He is a Native Hawaiian whose interest in different traditional disciplines began in 1968.

Kai is often sought for consultations, lecture presentations, commission work, as well as to provide instruction in the making of Hawaiian weaponry items. He is a dedicated cultural practitioner who specializes in the Hawaiian martial-art form of lua, and holds the rank of ‘olohe with the lua school named Pa Ku‘i A Lua. He is also a member of the Hawaiian master practitioners’ group Na Lehua Ku Makua, and Hale Mua, another practitioner group that focuses on the cultural processes, disciplines and responsibilities of Hawaiian males.

“It’s been a whole year since we’ve had the opportunity to bring ‘Umi back to Kaua‘i,” said Kehaulani Kekua, executive director of the Ka‘ie‘ie Foundation and the Kaua‘i Heritage Center Of Hawaiian Culture & Arts.

“He is thorough and understands every detailed step in the process and purpose of creating Hawaiian weaponry items.

“Unlike others who have duplicated the making of na mea kaua from simply looking at pictures in books, or just mimicking the likeness of artifacts, Kai deeply understands the spiritual and cultural perspectives as well,” she said.

“He is knowledgeable in the various native wood sources that were used, and adheres to the customary protocols that span the entire creative process,” she Last September, he presented a two-day workshop in which participants were taught how to craft lei-o-mano and ‘oki niho — two traditional weaponry pieces using the tiger sharks’ (niuhi) teeth.

In the Sept. 18 and 19 workshop, participants will learn the processes of gathering, preparing and using various naturalfiber materials, and weaving and braiding techniques. Participants will also have the opportunity to make a Hawaiian weapon piece such as a Hawaiian sling, which was used to sling stones in battle, or a pikoi (wooden or stone tripping club with a length of rope attached to it). Individuals may also bring a pendant piece or other project that requires special cordage and/or lashing.

Advance registration is required due to space considerations.

The workshop fee will include instruction and most materials.

The ‘Aina‘ike Cultural Program Series is offered by the Kaua‘i Heritage Center Of Hawaiian Culture & Arts, with support from the Ka‘ie‘ie Foundation.

The Native Hawaiian, nonprofit organization is dedicated to the perpetuation of customary practices and art forms through cultural education opportunities.

The center features the work of traditional and contemporary artisans and cultural practitioners from throughout Hawai‘i nei — all of whom continue to be inspired by the incredible knowledge and skills of Hawai‘i’s ancient ancestors, Kekua said. She provides a source for authentic information and an array of unique learning experiences that are offered at the Kaua‘i Heritage Center Of Hawaiian Culture & Arts, as well as throughout the Kaua‘i community.