Cordage
Aho

No nails, no metal fasteners; both Hawai`iloa and ancient canoes were held together with aho (cordage). In traditional Hawaiian culture, the art of making aho was an important skill. Lacking metal, aho was used for houses, canoes, adzes, nets, fishlines, and more. From selection of the right plant to raw material processing to the making of aho, a great deal of knowledge was needed.

To make good aho (cordage), fibers must be strong, flexible, and adhere to one another when twisted. The Hawaiians used fibers from many plants but two stand out: niu (coconut) and the native olona. `Aha (coconut sennit), was a favored choice for lashing canoes because it did not slip, and even tightened up, when wet. Nineteenth century historian Samuel Kamakau notes that when building a canoe "half the task was in making the coconut cordage".

Kama`ilio ka waha, hana ka lima.
Let the mouth talk while the hands work.
While talking, keep the hands busy.
(`Olelo No`eau #1454; Pukui 1983)

Endemic Nettle

Back Gallery of the Hawai`iloa Exhibit

BISHOP MUSEUM
The State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
For Museum Information, call (808) 847-3511