HONOLULU – When the constellation Makali‘i rises over the horizon the season of Lono has arrived. In celebration of the Hawaiian god of rebirth and renewal, peace, fertility, and healing, Bishop Museum will unveil “Lono-I-Ka-Makahiki” on December 5, 2004 in the Vestibule Gallery. The exhibit runs through February 2005, and will feature a daily tour and introduction to Makahiki games on the Great Lawn at 10:30 a.m.

Combining the works of contemporary Hawaiian artists and cultural practitioners with rare items from the Museum’s collections, “Lono-I-Ka Makahiki” will explore the many facets of Lono. The focal point of the exhibit will be Lono Makua, the akua loa o Lono (the long god), the only known ancient Makahiki image in the world.

Also on display will be a rare traditional papa holua, or holua sled, used in he‘e holua (holua sledding), one of the games played during the Makahiki. Known as “Lonoikamakahiki,” the sled will be featured along side “Keahiokekai,” a contemporary papa holua made by cultural practitioner Pohaku Stone. Stonework (ho‘opohaku) of Manulani Aluli Meyer and a contemporary piece by visual artist Kau‘i Chun will also be featured.

The exhibit also recognizes Kaho‘olawe as a place where the ceremonial practices of the Makahiki were reborn, and an island that embodies Lono’s spirit of renewal and revitalization. Poetry, prose, and artwork by Hawaiian youth who recently visited Kaho‘olawe will be displayed.

“Last year was the first time in nearly a quarter century that Lono Makua was brought out,” said project manager Noelle M.K.Y. Kahanu. “He responded to being recognized, and the Earth, in turn, responded with a torrential downpour. The Makahiki Season is a reminder to us all that we reap what we sow, and that we are truly a reflection of how we treat the world around us.”

Special lectures planned during the exhibit period include: “The Makahiki: Hawaiian Philosophy in the Natural World” by Manu Aluli Meyer on February 4, 2005 and “He’e Holua” with Pohaku Stone on January 11, 2005. Call 848-4190 for more information on these programs.

Support for these programs was provided by the Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Program, and a congressionally directed grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage, Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years; special rates for kama‘āina, seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Association members are free. For information, call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.