Na Mea Makamae: Hawaiian Treasures - Softcover

Young, David M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1883528100 ISBN 13: 9781883528102

Publisher: Palapala Press, 1999

Synopsis

Na Mea Makamae: Hawaiian Treasures offers an introduction to the treasured objects of ka po`e kahiko, the people of Hawaii. Early Hawaiian life is presented in the words of explorer Captain James Cook, naturalist Andrew Bloxam, missionary William Ellis, and Hawaiian scholars David Malo and Samuel Kamakau. In addition, contemporary Hawaiians living on the Kona Coast early in the twentieth century share their mana`o, or thoughts, on traditional life. Hawaiian culture is rich in some of the most artistic, functional, and abstract objects found anywhere in the Pacific. More than eighty illustrations feature religious images, feather capes, musical instruments, fishing gear, stylized ornaments, and a myriad of other items fashioned and used by native Hawaiians. These treasures bear witness to a glorious, complex, and accomplished society. In learning about our past we gain knowledge of our present.

About this title

Review:

Awarded honorary mention for Excellence in Hawaiian Culture and the top award for Excellence in Design for books published in 1999. -- Ka Palapala Po`okela 2000, Hawaii Book Publishers Association

Big Island's David Young has given us a thorough inventory of Hawaiian material culture. In Na Mea Makamae: Hawaiian Treasures, he illustrates and explains the tools, implements and objects of art that surrounded the daily life of the ancient Hawaiians: stone lamps and nets, tapa pounders and bracelets, daggers and aku lures, drums and statues of the gods. Any serious student of Hawaiiana needs this book. -- Honolulu Magazine November

Even for someone with little or no knowledge of Hawaiian culture, this book is inviting and interesting to read. -- Writer's Digest 2001 Self Published Book Award Winner

Interviews with several Hawaiians familiar with the pieces and their uses take the book beyond pretty pictures. Young's text provides detailed information about all aspects of ancient Hawaiian life. -- Honolulu Star-Bulletin 12/17/99

The name of the book is "Na Mea Makamae," Hawaiian for "treasured objects," and the book itself may be considered a treasured object. -- West Hawaii Today 12/22/99

About this edition

• Publisher: Palapala Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 1883528100
• ISBN 13: 9781883528102
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 120