E Laka E

Laka ē, hoʻoulu ʻia. 

O Laka, inspire us.

Laka's Mana is Ho'oulu (making to grow). 

Following Laka's inspiration transforms hula into a magnificent dance.

Hula is an essential part of life in Hawaii. Hula is a sacred ritual, a form of worship, a spiritual practice and discipline. Respectfully the dancers follow strict traditions when they pick the plants for their costumes and the Hula Kuahu (altar). Laka is also Goddess of the forest. Her Mana inspires the forest to grow and thrive. Honoring Laka, we humbly ask her permission before we enter the sacred forest and pick the plants. Each plant enforces the connection between Laka and the dancer.

To invoke Laka's inspiration, the Hula Kuahu (altar) and dancer are adorned with her Kinolaus (many forms):
Maile symbolizes the umbilical cord which ties the dancer to Laka.

The wood of the Lehua tree is male and Lehua, the flower is female. They create a union between the masculine and feminine and 'allow the two to dance'.

Pili, the clinging grass is placed on the altar, so that all of Laka's Ha'awinas (lessons) will cling to the dancers.

The sweet smell of 'Iliahi (sandalwood) inspires the performance of the dancer as well as the audience.

The spirit of Laka dances through the dancer. 

The dancer and Laka become one, dancing inspired hula.

Laka means gentle, docile, attract. Many legends tell about Laka's fruitfulness. She is often referred to as the Goddess of Love. As the 'Giver of All Things' ancient chants ask Laka to attract love and wealth.

Mele Kuahu

Altar Prayer

E Laka ē

O Goddess Laka

Pūpū weuweu e Laka ē

O wildwood bouquet, O Laka

E Laka i ka leo

O Laka, queen of the voice

E Laka i ka loaʻa

O Laka, giver of gifts

E Laka i ka waiwai

O Laka, giver of bounty

E Laka i nā mea a pau.

O Laka, giver of all things.

The island of Molokai is said to be the birthplace of hula. According to legend, Laka journeyed through the islands, sharing the dance with all who wished to learn. Her graceful movements channeled spiritual meaning and brought to life the history, traditions and genealogy of the Hawaiian people.

Laka gave birth to the Hawaiian hula on the sacred hill Puu Nana in Molokai. It is said that the remains of Laka herself were secretly hidden beneath this hill.

Laka's inspiring Mana teaches us many valuable Ha'awinas (lessons). 

A truly great performance in any area of life is the result of a person's discipline, 

positive feelings, and Aloha spirit.

The enchanting Mana of Hawaii's Hula Goddess inspired the creation of 

Hawaiian Art Doll Laka.

Laka, Hula Goddess of Compassion

www.Etsy.com

Ahi, the Fire Dancer

Ahi, the Fire Dancer

Birth Date: Lanuali 12, 2022 (01/12/22)

Ahi's dance inspires us to welcome life’s fiery eruptions with an open heart and grow from the valuable lessons they contain.

Nana I Ke Kumu

Look to the source.

Named after the fire he dances with, Ahi's ceremonial dance worships Hawaii's Volcano Goddess Pele. Ahi's dance is tantalizing with a visual feast of his burning bamboo fire staff, telling stories about forests bursting into flame, fiery molten lava flowing over the land, devouring the earth, cleansing and ultimately bringing new land and life.

Ahi is spinning with his fire staff, twirling, throwing and catching it. 

His dance is thrilling and dangerous - a magnificent spectacle!

Ahi’s Tutu (grandmother) wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha (love) into his Maile Haku (head lei), ankle and wrist leis. Maile is the lei of eternal love.
Tutu also wove Ahi’s traditional grass skirt and crocheted his red pants. She adorned the skirt with red feathers which symbolize flames.
The red and green colors Ahi wears honor the Mana (spiritual energy) of the land.
Last Tutu crafted a special amulet using red feathers and a red crystal to inspire spiritual strength, unity and love.
All these precious things were Tutu’s gifts of Aloha (Love) to her beloved Mo’opuna Kane (grandson).

Ahi 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. His 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 are individually hand crafted.
Ahi is not a dress up doll. All clothing and accessories are sewn and/or glued onto him.

Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft dry toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair. Do not brush the hair!

Ahi is a one of a kind display doll handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. He comes with his story and a certificate of authenticity.
Ahi is a collector’s item bringing you the spiritual power of Hawaii.
Every bit of Ahi has been lovingly handcrafted to create a new friend who will last a lifetime.

Ahi is ready to be your new friends and dance his way into your heart.

Ahi’s dance honors the sacredness of life.

www.Etsy.com