Ancient etchings resurface on a Hawaiian beach after a six-century absence
Mysterious Anthropomorphic Petroglyphs Discovered on Oʻahu's West Shore
A fascinating archaeological discovery has been made on the west shore of Oʻahu, near the U.S. Army base in Waianae. Recently uncovered, these mysterious anthropomorphic petroglyphs date back at least 500 years and could be over 1,000 years old[1][2][4].
The petroglyph site, which stretches approximately 115 feet along the sandstone shoreline, includes 26 carvings, mostly anthropomorphic stick figures[1][3]. Some of these figures have defined fingers, a rarity in Hawaiian petroglyphs, and the largest figure measures up to 8 feet tall by 8 feet wide[1][3].
The significance of these petroglyphs remains somewhat speculative, but experts suggest they could tell a ceremonial or mythological story related to Hawaiian culture. Cultural practitioner Glen Kila interprets the fingered figures as possibly representing Māui, a great Polynesian culture hero and trickster credited with the creation of the Hawaiian Islands. The fingers' positioning from east to west might symbolize the sun's journey across the sky, akin to sacred symbols in other religions[1][5]. Additionally, one large figure’s arm positioning may represent the rising and setting sun, hinting at a cosmological or ceremonial significance[2][3].
These petroglyphs are currently managed by archaeologists and cultural specialists associated with the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii to preserve these important cultural resources[1][2].
The discovery of these ancient carvings enriches our understanding of early Hawaiian settlers’ cultural expression and highlights the ongoing importance of preserving indigenous heritage. The petroglyphs serve as the only written record left by ancestors who had no other form of writing[6]. They depict human figures, some with details like fingers and objects, such as clubs[7]. The number and diversity of these petroglyphs highlight the complexity and richness of Hawaiian history[8].
This discovery is a culturally significant testimony to Hawaii's indigenous history, shedding light on a period before the arrival of American colonists. For natives, these petroglyphs are considered spiritual and ancestral messages[9]. The phenomenon of seasonal weather, specifically Pacific storms between May and November, temporarily removes sand from beaches and allows the revelation of hidden archaeological remains, like these carvings[10].
Interestingly, a couple of hikers from Texas spotted carvings on a beach on the west side of Oahu, Hawaii, in 2016[11]. Dave Crowley, director of the Cultural Resources Management Program (CRMP), details that seasonal changes in tides and waves moved the sand along the beach and fully exposed these petroglyphs[12].
As of July last year, the petroglyphs were fully revealed, offering archaeologists and cultural specialists a unique opportunity to study these ancient carvings[13]. However, no further information about the meaning or origin of the petroglyphs is provided in the article.
It's worth noting that there are over 135 petroglyph sites in the Hawaiian archipelago, representing nearly 24,000 figures[14]. This discovery adds to our understanding of this rich cultural heritage and emphasizes the importance of preserving these precious relics of the past.
References: 1. Hawaii News Now 2. Star Advertiser 3. CNN 4. National Geographic 5. Hawaii Public Radio 6. Hawaii News Now 7. Star Advertiser 8. CNN 9. Hawaii Public Radio 10. Hawaii News Now 11. Star Advertiser 12. Hawaii News Now 13. Star Advertiser 14. Hawaii News Now
