Carvers of Polynesia: Fulfilling the Center’s Mission
Perpetuating the Arts and Crafts of Polynesia
We are pleased to present Fulfilling the Center’s Mission – Part II of our interview with Raymond Mokiao, who shares insights on the Center’s remarkably talented carvers.
Raymond explained how the Carver’s Department fulfills its mission: Part of our mission as carvers is to attend to any artwork or cultural object in the Center. The carvers are the main core for creating the displays or features in the Islands Villages. Of course, we bought many things directly from the Polynesian islands we represent, but over time, we have been able to recreate them here. While building our skill sets, the Polynesian Cultural Center is perpetuating the arts and crafts of Polynesia through teaching the art of carving to our students. To have all of that as a core value to the Center is a jewel to us.
The resource for getting quality and correct cultural objects is here, in Lāʻie. It is good for all of us that we are skilled in making authentic items of high quality.
The Versatility of Our Master Carvers
Raymond highlighted the wide-ranging skills of the Center’s carvers: Master carver Jared Pere, one of our full-time employees, is perhaps one of the most versatile and accomplished carvers at the Center. We also tap into other master carvers like William Mahoni, Tuione Pulotu, and Kawika Eskaran, who were once student carvers themselves. Not only did these artists start learning their trade here, but they also have their own achievements. When we face projects beyond our experience, we turn to these sources first.
For example, Jared, Tuione, William, and Kawika were all involved in creating the large tikis seen around the Center.
Raymond added: William has art pieces at Martin & MacArthur Galleries across Hawaiʻi. Kawika has commissioned works in the Royal Hawaiʻian Shopping Center in Waikīkī. Jared has worked in multiple media — he even created the Maui Fishhook sculpture in front of Kualoa Ranch.
Tuione also has many pieces throughout the islands. While in Tonga during early 2020, he has built two large canoes and around 30 small ones. Some visitors were so impressed that they commissioned $60,000 worth of full-sized canoes and models of Polynesian canoe styles.
Pushing Our Student Carvers to Excel
We have a good base of experience, which pushes our students’ skills higher. Traditionally, students worked on two-dimensional art, such as weapons and flat pieces. Recently, Jared, who manages our department, has been encouraging them to move into three-dimensional pieces. This allows for more detail and storytelling while expanding into higher-end markets.
We are working to expand in this area, increasing revenue while fulfilling our mission to preserve Polynesian culture.
The PCC is truly blessed with these skilled carvers, who not only contribute beauty and authenticity to the Center but also graciously share their knowledge with young artists. Their humble generosity and extraordinary abilities are a tribute to the noble cultures of Polynesia.
Stay tuned for our next installment, where we will introduce our student carvers and share their experiences at the Center.