KANALOA HEALING WANDS
$49.00 each - includes shipping

These beautiful reproductions of genuine ancient Hawaiian artifacts were carved from slate pencil sea urchin spines by sculptor and Alakai Marcus Lindemann. Each one comes with a cord so that it can be worn as a pendant if desired. Sizes range from 2 1/4 inches long to 1 5/8 inches. When ordering, specify the letter desired in the Feedback section of the shopping cart.

The small island of Kaho'olawe ("That which was taken away") lies about eight miles (11km) across the 'Alalakeiki Channel from the most southwestern point of the island of Maui. Rising only 1,477 feet (450 m) above the ocean at its highest point, it was formerly called Kanaloa, and dedicated to the great god of the same name. Kanaloa was a god of the ocean, of coastal freshwater springs, and of healing.

Ruins of many ancient shrines are located all over the island. Usually these are interpreted as fishing shrines, but in 1913 a unique treasure trove of forty bundles wrapped in tapa cloth and containing a wide variety of objects related to both land and sea were discovered at the base of a cliff overlooking Komohio Bay, in the south center of the island. Among these objects were the only carvings of sea urchin spines ever found in Hawaii. None of the objects are typical of known offerings at fishing shrines.

Interpretations of ancient artifacts are always subjective, but in view of the fact that these carved sea urchin spines have only been found on Kaho'olawe, and that this island was dedicated to Kanaloa, god of oceans and healing, it is probable that they were put in place to represent requests for healing and/or successful journeys. On the other hand, they may have been dedicated to the fishing god, Ku'ula, for the same purposes.

As with all our products, satisfaction is guaranteed with the return of the spine in good condition within 30 days.