Friday, April 3, 2009

LAUMEI:

This piece was inspired by the grace and dignity of the majestic “laumei” (turtle in Samoan). Our ancestors tell stories of traveling from island to island on the backs of these impressive reptiles. In Polynesia, the turtle is often revered as a symbol of strength, virility and everlasting life. It is believed that the spirits of our ancestors live on in the turtle and therefore hold a spiritual significance in our cultures. This piece symbolizes our deference to this beautiful creature. It embodies the symbiotic relationship between Polynesian heritage and nature. The motifs of the different islands characterize the journey we take together on the backs of our ancestors as we advance toward the future.

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