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FROPPE
Akahai
USA
81 Posts |
 Posted - 05/15/2012 : 3:28:12 PM
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I've noticed Keola Beamer playing Ili 'ili, or lava castanets, on some of his recordings. I'm interested in incorporating these into my slack-key experience. My question is, what is the proper etiquette for acquiring authentic lava stones? I'm aware of the issues with Pele and removal of lava from Hawaii, and certainly don't want to get on anyone's bad side. Can anyone enlighten me on this issue? I'd really like to be as authentic as possible, without offending anyone. Is this permissible? If so, any recommended sources?
Mahalo,
Froppe (in lava-less Austin)
P.S. Limestone rocks just don't sound right!
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ypochris
Lokahi
USA
398 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2012 : 5:55:07 PM
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The proper rocks are found on ili ili beaches- beaches composed of lava pebbles. They are generally flat stones, about finger length, an inch or so wide, and less than half an inch thick. They should be hard, nearly poreless basalt rather than full of pores. It is all about what feels good in your hand and how they sound. Each individual will select somewhat different stones. The etiquette is generally that one selects one's own stones, ideally with thanks to Pele for creating the rock, Kanaloa for forming them, and a prayer to Laka for a clear tone during your performances. Or so suggested my neighborhood Kumu Hula.
As far as taking lava rocks off the island, the National Park Service freely admits that they started this myth to prevent tourists from taking rocks from Volcano National Park. However, it has been so widely propagated at this point that many locals believe that this is an ancient tradition. Not so - there is no evidence that this belief existed prior to the Park Service campaign.
The tone of good ili ili is amazing, cutting right through other sounds, no matter how intense. One time I wandered into a drum circle at Kehena beach, and not having a drum, picked up some ili ili and played those. A group had been making drums at nearby Kalani Honua, and about fifty people were playing their new drums on the beach. After half an hour or so, I got bored and stopped playing, and the entire ensemble suddenly fell apart. I realized that the entire group had been following the one sound that cut through all those drums- my ili ili. Pretty amazing for a couple of little stones! |
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noeau
Ha`aha`a
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2012 : 9:17:19 PM
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| Check out hula supply houses on line. maybe you can find a set. But if you can find your own on a beach or river than humility, gratitude and attitude will help. |
No'eau, eia au he mea pa'ani wale nō. |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2012 : 06:28:52 AM
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I wouldn't use them without being schooled in their proper use -- how to use them and WHEN to use them -- by a kumu hula. There are protocols involved.
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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JimC
Lokahi
USA
135 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2012 : 08:15:10 AM
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Hey Ben.
If you send me your address I'll send you some Ili 'ili.
My wife has a bunch that she has sorted out that are not quite the right size and shape for hula but would be fine for what your doing.
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Jim
http://www.ohanahulasupply.com
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FROPPE
Akahai
USA
81 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2012 : 2:21:03 PM
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Mahalo for the input, everyone!
Jim, I've sent you an e-mail. Thank you again!
Aloha,
Froppe |
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Topic |
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Question about Ili 'ili
