Puka mai

Kapulani Landgraf, Puka mai, 2002, hand-woven silver gelatin collage, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Frank K. Ribelin Endowment, in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, 2022.46.1
Copied Kapulani Landgraf, Puka mai, 2002, hand-woven silver gelatin collage, 40 38 × 60 14 × 2 12 in. (102.6 × 153 × 6.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Frank K. Ribelin Endowment, in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, 2022.46.1

Artwork Details

Title
Puka mai
Date
2002
Dimensions
40 38 × 60 14 × 2 12 in. (102.6 × 153 × 6.4 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase through the Frank K. Ribelin Endowment, in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Mediums Description
hand-woven silver gelatin collage
Classifications
Object Number
2022.46.1

Artwork Description

Made from hand-cut and dry-mounted photographs, Puka mai calls for Kanaka 'Oiwi (Native Hawaiians) to hold on to their connection to their birthplace and thus their ancestors. The images that make up the collage reference important metaphors to the indigenous people of Hawai'i. 

At bottom, the long, pointed bills of marlin fish--traditionally used by Hawaiians as daggers--are woven together to suggest the aboveground roots of the hala tree, symbolically securing Hawaiians to their homeland. Above the bills runs a line of 'aumakua (family gods) sculptures topped by images of ho'i'o (young fern shoots). The unfurling shoots represent future generations of Hawaiians.

Gallery label, 2024