Pig God - Kama Pua'a

Not without wounds and scars, Kama Pua'a power comes through!

Kama Pua’a II

By Phil Haysmer

In the legends of the native Hawaiian people, the intertwined lives of Kama Pua’a (the pig god) and Pele (goddess of fire) feature courtship and love as well as fierce arguments and fighting.  The elements of nature are represented by both in this tumultuous relationship. Pele’s power is seen in the heat of lava and fire and reflects the powerful creative and destructive force of the volcano; Kama Pua’a representing agriculture, rain and the sea, attempts to cool her ferocious forces with a deluge of rain.  One epic battle finds Kama Pua’a gathering the waters of the sea to quench Pele’s fire, but she escapes him by returning to her spirit home in the pit of Kilauea (Halema’uma’u crater.)  These legends, like those of many indigenous cultures, are not pitting good against evil, but recognizing the balance between opposing forces and the need to respect and appreciate both.

A generous hunter, woodsman and fisherman who lives on our street gifted Phil an outside slab off of an old mango tree.  Although Phil knew right away it was something special, he waited until Kama Pua'a peeked out -- and said "Can you see me?"  Phil did, and he will soon be delivering this new piece for display and sale at One Gallery in Hilo.