Hawaiian Adornment

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to the ancient Hawaiian ceremony called the hula. The history of the hula dance and its origin has been lost over time. Through the information we still have today it is believed that the hula dance was a performance performed by some form of god or goddess. Whether this is true or not, it is none the less a sacred dance shared and performed by both men and women. . New adaptations were incorporated into the hula due to the explorations of other cultures. After this time, when the Hula was considered a pagan practice, the dance shifted to become more of a form of entertainment. Today there are multiple styles of hula, songs, instruments and dress. Hula dancing can now be categorized into two different styles, hula kahiko and hula auana.

The Pacific Islands are known for the high importance and value they hold on tattoos known as Kakau. In the Hawaiian culture, tattoos have survived for centuries. The Hawaiian culture used their tattoos as a form of distinction, adornment, status and protection. Tattoos linked those bearing certain marks to a particular tribe. Hawaiian tattoo designs originate from the natural surroundings along with curvature designs and geometrical shapes. Through time the Hawaiian tattoos have evolved to use more animal designs, like lizards and turtles, due to the influence of the European explorers. In ancient times, tools for tattooing were made out of different animals to create their striking tools.

Hawaiian natives were also known to use other forms of adornment, like jewelry and war regalia. The protective armor and head pieces were beautifully crafted. Necklaces, bracelets and other forms of jewelry were used as decorations and for ceremonial purposes.