Post #156106 by christiki295 on Sun, May 1, 2005 5:05 PM

On 2004-10-01 09:36, cheekytiki wrote:
Christianity was responsible for trying to wipe out tiki in the first place so just think of it them trying to be consistant

It initially may have begun as a result of post-contact Hawaii. The newcomers to the island, missionaires, whalers, traders, etc. did not have to follow the Hawaiian kapu - thereby weakening the system and the Kamahemeha III abolished kapu, which inlcuded destroying the large tikis.

TIKIS WERE DESTROYED AS A RESULT OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE KAPU RELIGIOUS SYSTEM. KAPU WAS ABOLISHED BECAUSE THE FAVORITE WIFE OF KING KAMEHAMEHA I WANTED LAND AND POWER, WHICH WERE UNAVAILABLE TO HER UNDER KAPU.

THE MISSIONARIES QUICKLY FILLED THE RELIGIOUS VOID, BY CONVERTING THE MONARCHY
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The overthrow of the kapu system on the death of Kamehameha I entailed the destruction of temple images.

W. Chapin reports that the destruction of vestiges of the old religion began in the early part of November 1819, and describes how on "Atooi" (Kaua'i), by the end of that month, "the [tikis] and the consecrated buildings, with the idols, were on fire, the first evening after the order arrived. The same was done in all the islands."

The Reverend Hiram Bingham describes how Ka'ahumanu, wife of King Kamehameha I, demonstrating her enthusiasm for the new religion of the missionaries on a tour of the islands in 1822, sought out remaining images for destruction:

"On the 26th of the same month [June], one hundred and two idols, collected from different parts of Hawaii, where they had been hidden 'in the holes of the rocks and caves of the earth,' were, by her authority, committed to the flames."

Gilbert E. Mathison, who visited the islands during 1821-22, lamented that at the time of his visit, he made every possible inquiry in vain for one of the ancient idols. The people expressed great astonishment at my desire to possess what they had themselves ceased to value, and seemed even affronted by my supposing that they could have preserved any such antiquated relics of pristine ignorance and superstition.

Queen Kaahumanu (1772 -1832)was Kamehameha the Great's favorite wife. A bold and intelligent woman, she served as kuhina-nui (premier sharing of kingly power) for Kamehameha II and as regent for Kamehameha III. She played a leading role in the overthrow of the ancient kapu system. In league with the King's mother, Keopuolani, she convinced Kamehameha II to sit down and eat with the women in violation of one of ancient Hawaii's most serious prohibitions. In old Hawaii, women were second-class citizens, more severely handicapped by endless kapus than the men of any class. With the overthrow of the kapu system, she was free to exercise her political authority.

Kamehameha II (b. 1797, d. 1824)

A great contrast from his father, Liholiho (Kamehameha II) was 22 years old when he became King. Kaahumanu confronted the King and said that it had been his father's wish for her to share rulership of the land. Had anyone attempted such audacity in front of Kamehameha I, the culprit might well have been slain on the spot. Liholiho offered no objection and split his power in half with Kaahumanu. Early in his reign, Kaahumanu and his mother, Keopuolani, talked him into sitting down to eat with a group of noble women in view of onlooking commoners. The signal had unmistakenly been given that the ancient religion of Hawaii was dying. Shortly thereafter, Liholiho ordered god images burned and heiaus demolished throughout the islands.

[ Edited by: christiki295 on 2005-05-01 17:49 ]