are pretty ancient, and the fun part is taking them and making it your own.” He said using the symbols and designs in his own way to tell a narrative helps keep his art fresh. “When you carve, you tell a narrative with symbols. Mangakahia said his art helps him to stay connected to his ancestors and roots. All the art is intertwined and has evolved over time.”Īnother carver and artist, Samuel Mangakahia, a senior from Australia majoring in graphic design, echoed Tafiti’s thoughts on the significance of carving and art in Polynesian culture. Tafiti said, “Carvings, tattoos and tapa cloth are all tied together.

He explained as Polynesian cultures from various islands came together through marriages and trade, the art from these islands also changed. The east side shows the restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith.Īdditionally, Tafiti said carving and art are important in Polynesian culture because it is a way to is a way to share history. The west side shows the people of the Old Testament, while the southern face shows New Testament stories. The north side shows the story of the Book of Mormon. Each scene shows different scriptural periods. The Laie Hawaii Temple features four friezes, which are horizontal panels used for decorating, according to Britannica, wrapping around the temple near the top. They are a way of recording language and events.” For example, he said the Laie Hawaii Temple features high-relief sculptures.Īccording to Tafiti, high-relief sculpting is a form of sculpting featuring figures appearing to stand out further from the background. Tafiti said, “Carvings and art are a form of language. He said in regards to art, its purpose is to tell a story. Kap Te’o Tafiti, a carver, sculptor, performer and senior cultural ambassador at the Polynesian Cultural Center, said all the art he creates has a purpose.

Members of the Laie community said this art tells a story. The Laie Hawaii Temple includes several pieces of art from the friezes near the top of the temple to the sculptures around it.

Chief kap te o tafiti