Palapalai Earrings by Sonny Ching and Paradisus, Sterling Silver 1.18″W x 0.79″H $100

$100.00

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Description

Palapalai Earrings by Sonny Ching and Paradisus, Sterling Silver 1.18″W x 0.79″H $100

 

Ka Palapalai – Ka Palai

One of the five main plants and prominent in the hierarchy of hula plants used to adorn the kuahu, is the Palapalai, a plant of great importance in Hawaiian culture.   Its use ranged from the medicinal, to the creating of dye, but it was primarily used for Hula. It is one of the five plants sacred to Laka used to adorn the kuahu (altar) and in leis to adorn the dancer. Many songs and chants also refer to palapalai for its beauty and cultural importance. While sacred to Laka, it is also the kinolau of Hi’iakaikapoliopele who is considered to be a patron of the ‘olapa or dancer and was the assistant and healer of the Pele family. Symbolizing lush growth and resilience, (as a healthy forest indicator) Palapalai also denotes an understanding of the delicate intricacies of the dance. The gentle movements of the palapalai serves as inspiration to the dancer as well . . .

Hanu lipo o ka palai . . . Breathing deep of the Palai fern

 

About the Artist

When Sonny was born, his great grandmother stated that he would become a chanter. It was when Sonny turned four-years-old that his grandmother started teaching him chants and then would progress to dancing hula. At twelve-years-old, Sonny’s father decided that he should not dance hula. However, his grandmother continued to teach him hula in secret without permission. Ironically, Sonny’s father is now his biggest supporter.  His halau, Na Mamo o Pu’uanahulu, is very accomplished and well known around the world.

Sonny’s grandmother, Lena Pua‘ainahau Eleakala Nāhulu Guerrero, was his confidant, roommate, and best friend. She taught him one-on-one and usually did things together on a daily basis. They always preceded their training with a prayer in Hawaiian because his grandmother was of pure koko and was fluent in the language. This important ritual is still practiced today—this is how Sonny runs his classes today—before dancing, they pray to Akua and to Laka.
Sonny’s ‘ike (knowledge) of Hawaiian culture informs his fabulous jewelry that is a frequent star of the annual  Mamo fashion show.
Themes in traditional Hawaiian kakau (tatoos), native Hawaiian plants and birds  inform his contemporary and classic jewelry designs.  Our hearts soared like ‘iwa birds to find this design in his collection.  We hope you enjoy them!

 

The dimensions listed in the ‘additional information’ tab includes packing for shipment.

Palapalai Earrings by Sonny Ching and Paradisus, Sterling Silver 1.18″W x 0.79″H $100

Additional information

Weight 1.5 lbs
Dimensions 7.18 × 6.79 × 6 in

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