Tupuna

Here's a piece I did a few years back for a New Zealand-based project called Nga Tupuna (which is Maori for "Ancestors").

Knox in Stocks Roger Langridge 2006

Here's a piece I did a few years back for a New Zealand-based project called Nga Tupuna (which is Maori for "Ancestors").

Archive 2006-01-01 Roger Langridge 2006

Behind him, in the prow of the canoe, stood Tupuna, his face upraised.

Hawaii Michener, James 1959

"We had better consult with the king," Tupuna advised, but when they went aft they found Tamatoa sleeping, and no man would dare waken another suddenly, lest the sleeper's spirit be out wandering and have no time to slip back in through the corner of the eye.

Hawaii Michener, James 1959

So he rose in the gray light of dawn, while winds howled and drove rain across the island, and hurried, almost naked, to'the hut of old Tupuna.

Hawaii Michener, James 1959

Then it was that the wisdom of Tupuna in setting forth at dusk on the new day of the month became apparent, for there, rising in the eastern sky and with no bright moon in competition, sparkled the Seven Little Eyes.

Hawaii Michener, James 1959

The watchers roared with glee and forgot the haunting uncertainties that perplexed them, for the infuriated hog brought them the therapy of laughter, so that when Tupuna cried, "Move everything to the cave!" they responded willingly, and in labor ignored the danger, threatening all of them, that in their new home there might be no food.

Hawaii Michener, James 1959

Aft of them sat Natabu, silent and sacred, the wife of Tamatoa, accompanied by red-eyed Teura, the wife of Tupuna and seer of the voyage; it was her duty to read omens.

Hawaii Michener, James 1959

At the head of his nervous column marched Tupuna, and whenever he came to a large rock, he begged the god of that rock to let him pass.

Hawaii Michener, James 1959

When the consecration of the temple was completed, and when mana had again begun to flow from the gods into King Tamatoa, so that he could function as king, Tupuna organized his second expedition, and with all save four who guarded the canoe and the animals, he probed deeper into the unknown in search of food.

Hawaii Michener, James 1959