On Mystic Mountain

by James Temple

Title

On Mystic Mountain

Artist

James Temple

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

The Hawaiian island of Moloka'i, where I live, was once the center for sorcery of all kinds in Hawaii. Sorcery was one of the strongest forces in shaping the life and character of the Hawaiian people. The Iliiliopae Heiau on Moloka'i was the "school" for sorcerers - a very powerful temple and one of the most sacred temples in Hawaii. The island of Moloka'i itself was an ancient holy place, a landmark long protected from invasion by the powerful reputations of its kahuna, or priests.

Today this Heiau is only a vast ruined platform of heaped stones, overlooking the once-important village of Mapulehu and four ancient fishponds. It was once the home of gods and the site of fierce ceremonies involving human sacrifice. Even as a ruin it's a foggy, eerie place. I took this photo of mystic mount Kaunolu, whose island summit reaches 4,970-feet. The spirits of this mystic mountain have many secrets to tell.

Uploaded

July 19th, 2010

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