As a Kupua (demi-God) Kamapua'a (hog-child) is under the special protection of ancestral Gods and is himself Godlike.
As a man he is tall and handsome, "the big foreigner with sparkling eyes" (Ka haole Nui, maka olohilohi) he is called in chants. Some say that he has bristles down his back, which he conceals under his cape.

When he is confronted with life or death, he is able change himself not only into a hog, but also into a fish (humuhumu-nukunuku-a-pua-a.) as well as plants of various kinds. During periods of sacrifices when three young pigs were not available, Pua 'a lau 9sacrificial plants for Kamapua'a) was substituted and a favorite was young taro leaves…

This painting was shown at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. The exhibit's title was "Feast or Famine." Look closely into the shadows and you will see the three pigs hideing. Those are kalo (taro) leaves at their feet.

I wanted to stay as close to theme as possible and almost called this piece "Lau Lau" since all the ingrediants are there! Lau lau is a popular Hawaiian dish, that is cooked with pork and 'luau' leaves (taro) I joked about using the title, and then decided to remain true to the Myth.. Aloha

. Mahalo Nui Loa

 

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