Magical Hawaiian Menehune Dolls: Reflections on Kuleana

Monday, August 10, 2020

Reflections on Kuleana

Reflections on Kuleana

Kuleana means responsibility for ourselves, our actions, our community and the ‘Aina (land). Kuleana is keeping and being accountable to the promises we make.

Living Kuleana and standing together in Lokahi (unity)

revitalizes the Mana (spirit) of life!

Hawaiians practice Kuleana to the ‘Aina, caring for the land and respecting it. In return the land has the Kuleana to feed, shelter and clothes the people. This interaction enforces the wellbeing and balance within nature and society.

Hawaiians exercised Kuleana in their Ahupua’as, which reflects sustainable living in Hawaiian culture. In this efficient land management system wedge shaped land sections were divided extending from the mountains to the sea. Each section was carefully designed to provide within its borders the natural resources a community required to meet its own needs. Each Ahupua‘a included the honored Wao Akua (realm of the gods) in the upland forest.
The boundary was marked by Pohakus (stones) arranged in the image of Pua’a (pig).

Native Hawaiians honored the relationship between people and ‘Aina, ocean, ecosystems and all live forms by practicing reference and stewardship for all. “We have a Kuleana to care for and respect our land. In return, the land has the Kuleana to care for and respect us.”

The Hawaiian concept of responsibility inspired the creation of Hawaiian Art Doll Kuleana.

Kuleana (Responsibility),

the Pa’u Hula Dancer

Birth Date: ‘Aukake 8, 2020 (08/08/20)

Aloha Mai

I come with love.

Kuleana connects our hearts and actions with Aloha.

Focus on your higher purpose, choose wisely and you will grow,

flourish and blossom in unlimited possibilities!

The sacred drumming of the Ipu (gourd) echoes across the 'Aina (land) as Kuleana dances and chants with the Akuas (spirits) of the Ohia Forest.
The graceful movements of her hands and body tell stories about our Kuleana to the ‘Aina (land), the ‘Ahupua’a (land divisions) and the traditions of the Hawaiian people.

Kuleana's Hula attunes us to spirit and gladdens the heart.

Kuleana’s Tutu (grandmother) is her Kumu Hula (Hula Teacher). She taught her the powerful movements of the Kahiko Hula.

Tutu also sewed the traditional blue Pa’u hula skirt and matching top with a Lehua flower design. Lehua, the magical flower of the sacred Hawaiian Ohia Tree means 'Flower of the Gods'.
Tutu wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha (love) into Kuleana’s sweet smelling Puakenikeni flower Haku (head lei), necklace, wrist and ankle leis.
Hawaiian gourds grow on a vine. Tutu picked the most beautiful one for Kuleana's Ipu. She cleaned and polished it. Tutu blessed the Ipu with Hawaiian salt and special prayers. The gourd is sacred now. It was created for Kuleana and only she is allowed to touch it. The Ipu became Kuleana’s most treasured possession.
All these precious things were Tutu’s gifts of Aloha (Love) to her beloved Mo’opuna Wahine (granddaughter).

Kuleana is a 10” tall cloth doll who was individually handcrafted on the Big Island of Hawaii with the greatest love and respect for all that is Hawaii. Her body is made out of doll skin and stuffed with high quality poly fill. The body is wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. All accessories were individually hand crafted.
Kuleana is not a dress up doll. All clothing and accessories are sewn and/or glued onto her. Except for her skirt and Ipu which can be removed.

Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair.

Kuleana is a one of a kind Hawaiian Art Doll and comes with a booklet and certificate of authenticity. She is a collector’s item bringing you the spiritual power of Hawaii.
Every bit of Kuleana has been lovingly handcrafted to create a new friend who will last a lifetime.