Pu ~ Hawaiian Conch Shell

Pu ~ Hawaiian Conch Shell

Featured Art 23 September 2009
The Beauty of Nature

Pū is the Hawaiian name for Conch Shell. A gift from the Ocean, the Pū emerges from the life giving waters with a sound that flows across the ‘Aina ( land ) and Kai (the ocean).

The blowing of the Pu, a deep part of the Hawaiian culture, has multiple uses and communicates various meanings in both Religious and secular traditions.

Blowing the Pū is sometimes used before a ceremony to mark the official beginning.

To blow the Pū is a call to the divine. The blowing of the Pū should always be accompanied by protocol. When it’s blown, how many times and in which directions all have a complex set of meanings.

The Hawaiian cultural practice of blowing the Conch shell dates back to ancient times and continues in many present day traditions. Here on Maui as well as the other Hawaiian Islands, Indonesia and the Indian Ocean, sacred protocol surround the blowing of the Pu and define when, where, for what purpose, how many times and in which directions the Pu may be blown. When done properly, the blowing of the Pu produces a sound which can carry for miles across land and sea. This beautiful and distinctive resonance once heralded the arrival of Ali’i (Royalty), the beginning of Makahiki season, and many other notable events.

Special shells are cherished and handed down from generation to generation. The Triton trumpet shell is the most common type Pu used today. Many collectors and tourist have little idea of the cultural significance and of the beautiful animal which produced and lived inside this shell.

The shell’s spotted inhabitant is the largest snail in Hawaiian waters and the second largest in the Indo-Pacific. When permitted to mature undisturbed, Triton’s trumpets may reach as much as 20 inches in length.

Copyright © Sharon Mau 2009
My images do not belong to the public domain. Reproduction is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Read more about this beautiful creature here

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