Akua

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, an ancient civilization once flourished. Their islands were governed by their many gods, and above all the natives venerated these gods and the sacred laws the gods brought with them. The ancient Hawaiians built sculptures in the likeness of their Akua or gods in order to protect themselves and their homes from the elements(Cox).

            The Ki’i, or image of the gods, that the Hawaiians built took the form of their many gods and gave the natives piece of mind. The intimidating faces of the various idols placed around each village struck fear into the hearts of those whose minds were set on conquest. The reverence given to these wooden protectors is so much that they were built on poles, high above the heads of even the greatest Hawaiian Ali’i  (Chieftain), symbolizes just how important they found this protection. In Hawaiian culture their Ali’i are seen as mortal gods and are not even to be looked at, yet they still bow to the protection they need to endure. (Cox)