Kapu book
Written by Keoni Alvarez
BOOKS written by Keoni Kealoha Alvarez
KAPU "Hawaiian Burial Methods"
Written and Illustrated by Keoni Kealoha Alvarez
(Soft Cover) 48 pages
This book shares some of the Hawaiian traditional burial practices of iwi kupuna or Hawai’i’s past ancestors. A corpse was a very Kapu (tabu) thing in Hawai’i nei. Hawaiian burials are known in Hawai’i as Kapu (sacred) forbidden to be touched, displayed and spoken of publicly. Burials were only to be reserved by kahuna (priests), kahu (guardians), deceased families and cultural practitioners to protect the burials.
Several burial methods were practiced by the ancestors if ground could be dug, a pit was made to place the body inside for burial. If the ground consisted of dense rock, the burial was made above ground, with stones stacked over the body. Lava tubes, caves, volcanic pits or even sand dunes near the ocean were also utilized for burials. The ancient people of Hawai‘i believed when a person died, their spirit remained near or within their iwi (bones). Most prehistoric Hawaiian burials were unmarked to keep its location secret from being disturbed or desecrated.
NOVEL: KAPU "Sacred Hawaiian Burials""
Written by Keoni Kealoha Alvarez
(Hard Cover) 160 pages
Hawaii is very special to me. Kapu “Sacred Hawaiian Burials” is about a indigenous Hawaiian man who discovers his path through the discovery of a hidden ancient Hawaiian burial cave.
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For over a hundred years my people have fought a battle for ownership of the rights of native Hawaiian burials in order to keep bones safe from harm. In the late 20th century, the district became the target of developers who sought affordable property on the island. Faced with a powerful, wealthy outsider who threatened to plow through the cave near my home, I found myself in the position of David against my own version of the unconquerable Goliath. I will take viewers on a journey where I learn my identity, heritage, and ultimately my legacy of protecting my family burial cave.
Burial desecration is happening throughout our islands and until I can be convinced that the lands and the history they contain are safe, I will not relinquish my responsibility as keeper of the cave. I will continue to guard something that, for my people, is more valuable and much more precious than gold: the resting place of the iwi of my ancestors.
COFFEE or TABLE TOP BOOK: KAPU "Sacred Hawaiian Burials"
Written by Keoni Kealoha Alvarez
Photography by Aileen Alvarez
(Hard Cover) 180 pages
This book helps create a better understanding of Hawaiian burial traditions and acknowledges a closer connection with our ancestors. Burials are very sacred and taken seriously by the Hawaiian. This book beautiful photographs of Hawaiian burial practices.
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Several burial methods were practiced by the ancestors if ground could be dug, a pit was made to place the body inside for burial. If the ground consisted of dense rock, the burial was made above ground, with stones stacked over the body. Lava tubes, caves, volcanic pits or even sand dunes near the ocean were also utilized for burials. The ancient people of Hawai‘i believed when a person died, their spirit remained near or witin their iwi (bones). Most prehistoric Hawaiian burials were unmarked to keep its location secret from being disturbed or desecrated.
The Boy and his Hawaiian Cave
Written and Illustrated by Keoni Kealoha Alvarez
(Soft Cover) 41 pages
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This children's book is about a Hawaiian boy named Keoni
who is on a journey gathering special gifts of aloha for his ancestors' burial cave. The colorful illustrations and fun journey helps children learn about Hawaiian culture.
