Punahou will soon receive a special sculpture by renowned Polynesian master woodworker Tonu Shane. This humpback whale carving, significant as an aumakua and representing the connection between Hawai‘i and Alaska, is crafted from the wood of a 1,000-year-old Alaskan yellow cedar log with a rich history. The project, supported by Jon Larson’s family foundation, aims to bring awareness to indigenous cultural traditions, values and environmental issues.
The log was one of 10 sourced from Port Chicago, California, the site of an accidental munitions explosion that killed 320 sailors and civilians in 1944. Out of that tragedy, Shane was inspired to carve the logs that the Navy was selling in 1997. Jon Larson ’59 purchased them on his behalf, which launched the decades-long partnership and project to bring healing to communities and to celebrate and preserve indigenous cultural traditions.
Since then, many sculptures have been made from this beautiful wood, including large healing poles or totems erected at The Bronx Zoo, New York, memorializing those who died in 9/11; Indian Canyon Village, California, for use in indigenous rituals and ceremonies; and the Waikīkī Aquarium, featuring hundreds of surface carvings of native plants and animals.
The 15 sculptures in this particular set will find homes across O‘ahu, including the Waikīkī Aquarium, Kualoa Ranch, NOAA’s Pacific Island Regional Office and Kamehameha Schools.
The piece is coming to Punahou thanks to the longstanding friendship between Punahou Chaplain George Scott and Larson. Larson’s family foundation funds carving projects like these with the goal of bringing people of all cultures together through various national and global initiatives.
“Jon and his family foundation have done wonderful projects around the globe with the hopes of bringing diverse cultures and groups together as one people. He lives DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) in my opinion,” Scott shared.
Scott is excited about the potential locations for the sculpture at Punahou. He envisions it being placed in the Chapel or Kuaihelani Learning Center, noting that its size will allow it to be moved around the campus to share its story with students and visitors.
“We are excited to share the the amazing history and healing mission of this piece of art with students,” said Larson.
Photo courtesy of Waikīkī Aquarium.