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In this section you can discover outside material such as videos of Kaxinawa rituals, articles about the Almshouse, and a link to a downloadable Kaxinawa learning video game!
Ceremonial House Posts
Ceremonial House Post
Artist: Sao of Natagera Village, Santa Ana Island, Eastern Solomon Islands
Source: William H. Davenport
TU# 1968.3.6
This ceremonial canoe house post depicts Wakewakemanu, a deity whose influence varied between islands. Among the people of Santa Ana Island, Wakewakemanu was a figure of great dread, believed to bring disaster and death, whereas the people of Santa Catalina Island revered him as a protective force. This representation of Wakewakemanu features bonito (skyjack tuna) and a ringtail opossum above his head, representing the sea and land manifestations of his power. The deity holds garfish, which he used as arrows to inflict death upon individuals he disfavored. This ceremonial post is a testament to the complex and varied beliefs that surrounded Wakewakemanu. Serving as a potent reminder of the deity's dual nature, capable of both protection and destruction.
Ceremonial House Post
Artist: Sao of Natagera Village, Santa Ana Island, Eastern Solomon Islands
Source: William H. Davenport
TU# 1968.3.5
This ceremonial canoe house post from the Arosi section of San Cristobal Island features the deity Mara Kirio who is known for their “porpoise transformation.” This carving of Mara Kirio shows the deity holding two porpoises under their arms and two bonito (skipjack tuna) in their hands. Above Mara Kirio’s head is an arrangement of carved birds and fish, and the lower portion of the post is adorned with geometric designs. The depiction of Mara Kirio holds significant cultural importance, reflecting the local tradition of porpoise drives. Porpoise teeth harvested during these drives were valued as a form of currency in the region.
Ceremonial House Post
Artist: Karopungi of Geta Village, Star Harbour, San Cristobal Island, Eastern Solomon Islands
Source: William H. Davenport
TU# 1968.3.4
This ceremonial canoe house post stands as a tribute to the legendary hero Kereao, the father of the carver’s wife. Renowned for his extraordinary strength, Kereao's legacy is immortalized in the intricate carvings of this post which features Kereao holding two porpoises under his arms, symbolizing his formidable prowess. Behind his figure is a carved support scroll for balance. The front and back of the post also feature two carved sharks, each adorned with geometric patterns across their midsections. A lobster is depicted on both the right and left sides drawn with color pencil.
Ceremonial House Post
Artist: Karopungi of Geta Village, Star Harbour, San Cristobal Island, Eastern Solomon Islands
Source: William H. Davenport
TU# 1968.3.3
This ceremonial canoe house post features a detailed carving of two female urau (courtesans). An hour-glass hand drum above them is painted with grey lime pigment. The midsection of the post is stained black with a large geometric symbol drawn with color pencil on each of the four sides and a small drawing of a fish on one side. In the cultural practices surrounding the preparation of commemorative feasts in the eastern Solomon Islands, wealthy sponsors would engage the services of urau, in pairs of two, from nearby villages. Following the conclusion of these elaborate commemorative feasts, the urau would be escorted back to their home villages by their wealthy sponsors.
Ceremonial House Post
Artist: Farnara of Natagera Village, Santa Ana Island, Eastern Solomon Islands
Source: William H. Davenport
TU# 1968.3.7
This canoe house post depicts the myth of Mauri Asi, "Saved at Sea," a story that recounts how the deity Wairowo, in the form of a shark, kidnapped a man and carried him to sea, only to return him later safely to land. This ceremonial house post has been carved to resemble a kingpost (the front center post of a canoe house where deities are honored) and features a carving of a shark clasping a man with its pectoral fins. Above the carving is a drawing of a small fish and geometric designs were placed below. The post is stained black with light-blue painted designs, symbolic of the deity Wairowo and the myth of Mauri Asi.
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