Preserving the Art of Ancient Hawaiian Rock Wall Building

Written by Sunrise on KGMB9 - sunrise@kgmb9.com

July 07, 2008 07:08 AM

Hawaiian rock wall making is a skill that is seldom practiced today. But a Kona man is spreading his knowledge of this ancient Hawaiian tradition to anyone who is interested. Billy Fields is a master at his craft, ohau humu pohaku. We caught up with him recently while he taught a workshop in Heeia. "This kahua is being built here and it will be significant as the piko, cenntral focal point, of this special place." Fields is a certified mason, but has been doing ancient Hawaiian rock restoration work for 18 years. Although he has studied under various Hawaiian masons, he also learns directly from the past. Fields says he wants to bring back some of the lost beauty of our history and the work of past generations. "Fields' work is bringing us closer to our past. It is great to see these ancient traditions are not lost to the many generations who descend from the strong and industrious Hawaiians of old."

Last Updated ( August 19, 2008 06:09 AM )

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