Lei O Mano Hawaiian Koa Shark Teeth Dagger and War Clubs

Lei O Mano translates to lei of shark teeth.. Hawaii Weapons - Koa Clubs - Hawaiian Weapons - Koa Polynesian Clubs ... These are authentic... more

by Sharon Mau

Title

Lei O Mano Hawaiian Koa Shark Teeth Dagger and War Clubs

Artist

Sharon Mau

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Lei O Mano translates to lei of shark teeth.. Hawaii Weapons - Koa Clubs - Hawaiian Weapons - Koa Polynesian Clubs ... These are authentic intimidating Hawaiian weapons carved from KOA with genuine Shark teeth ... The traditional wood used is Koa. The woven loops of fibers are also called olonai (which is made from a Hawaiian shrub, the bark of which is valued as a source of strong, durable fiber). This artfully designed axe may be either hung and displayed on a wall or mounted. There are wide blades, long knives.. the paddle clubs (the largest you see here usually sell for about $300.00 each) Most artists insist you must be at least 21 years of age to purchase one and if you have small children in your home they suggest you not purchase them... They are not toys, they are real. I photographed these beautiful works of art in Wailea on Maui.


"Ancient warriors of Hawaii, or Koa, used a variety of intriguing weapons. They were arcane masters of shape achieved for dark purposes, weapon making was an inventive and deadly art. Tactics of ancient Hawaiians included raining missile weapons, like deadly sling stones and spears down upon enemies from high arcs. Closing with pikes, spears 12' to 15' long in a formation allowing the first ranks or warriors to attack their enemies, then decimating foes in melee combat with a terrifying array of hand weaponry. These weapons included short spears, clubs, shark toothed clubs, strangulation cords, trip weapons, throwing axes and the infamous hawaiian daggers. Kao warriors were brutal and disciplined. The nobles wore spectacular feather capes as a form of armour. Koa warriors practiced an ancient marshal art called Lua.. One of the most interesting early arms of Hawaii is the shark toothed club. Although this name is some what a misnomer, due to the fact that the shark toothed weapons were used for slashing weapons. A round weapon may have 30 or more shark teeth around the edges, other varieties featured as few as 3 in a claw shape. Shark teeth was also a preferred weapon of Hawaiian nobles. Hawaiian warriors or Koa, gave their name to the hard wood tree that most of their weaponry was carved from. They shaved before battle and lathered their bodies with oil to prevent enemies from getting a grip on them. Warriors specialize in various arms but carry multiple back up weapons into combat. A warrior might use a missile weapon (Javelin, Sling), followed by a first strike weapon (Trip Weapon) and then finally use a finishing off type weapon (Dagger, club). They enter battle only wearing a loin cloth (called malo), however nobles wore protective helmets, capes and in the final years of ancient Hawaiian combat even woven armour. The helmets are made of gourds or woven fibers and protect a warriors head from missiles. Hawaiian nobles wore capes, also made of woven fibers but with feathers, that they held in their left hands and used to block attacks and or to trip enemies before finishing them off with the weapon in their right hand. The capes and crests of Hawaiian nobles were covered with red, yellow, and black feathers in colourful patterns. The King of ancient Hawaii had a "king Akhenaten's sword" of sorts in his cape, passed from high king to high king. Koa warriors were brutal, stayed fit with olympic style games and trained constantly at their arts. Nobles used an ancient Hawaiian martial art called Lua (which is still practiced today)... In ancient times they specialized in bone breaking among other deadly techniques. Captured enemies might have their entrails removed and all of their bones broken before being transported to a temple for sacrifice. On the brighter side, battles could at times be averted by singular battle of two champions though.
Lua - The Ancient Hawaiian Martial Art

Origins: Ancient Hawaii. The exact age of the art is disputed. It is generally accepted however, that Lua has existed for almost as long as Polynesians have inhabited Hawaii.

Lua is much more than a martial art. It is a Hawaiian cultural legacy. One famous Lua practitioner was Alii (King) Kamehameha, who united the Hawaiian Islands... Complex triangular motifs in Hawaiian tribal tattooing and in the feathered coats worn by the chiefs are believed to embody the divine power of the shark and accord them strength, ferocity and protection." ....
Quotes and Information Resources: Wikipedia, Hawaii resources Weapons of Ancient Hawaii ..


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Uploaded

February 19th, 2011