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Rare petroglyphs uncovered by freak weather in Hawaii

Rare petroglyphs uncovered by freak weather in Hawaii

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In a discovery that echoes the recent uncovering of ancient human footprints following a spate of freak weather in Britain, archaeologists have announced the rediscovery of a set of rare petroglyphs which were uncovered following epic winter swells just off Oahu, Hawaii.

The unusually strong seasonal surf, which churned up monster waves more than 7 metres high, has washed away layers of sand all along Pupukea Beach, just east of the big-surf mecca of Waimea, to reveal dozens of large glyphs carved into the bench of lava rock.

Rare petroglyphs uncovered by freak weather in HawaiiMore than 70 rock carvings have been exposed, mostly depicting human-like figures and dogs, which haven’t been seen since 2010, and before that 2004, providing a rare chance for historians, scientists, and rock-art enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of this incredible record of Hawaii’s ancient past. 

The Historic Hawaii Foundation is currently working to document the images. Because they are so rarely seen, the petroglyphs have not yet been the subject of a very thorough study.  It is believed that the petroglyphs, known locally as kii pohaku, were used to document travels around and among the islands, to commemorate important events, and to mark trails and boundaries.

At Pu’u Loa, a vast area of more than 23,000 petroglyphs on Hawaii’s Big Island, many of the motifs are notable for featuring holes in which Native Hawaiians deposited the umbilical cords of newborn babies.

In addition to those newly exposed on the North Shore, canines appear often at the Nu’uanu rock art site near Honolulu, where they have been said to depict a wicked, cannibalistic dog-like beast known as Kaupe.

Featured image: One of the uncovered petroglyphs. Photo credit: Historic Hawaii Foundation

By April Holloway

 

Comments

I am dumbfounded that the university nor Bishop Museum have never Recorded these petroglyphs before now. Also... as to some mystery people inhabiting the Hawaiian Islands before the Polynesians came there.. is short sighted. The Hawaiians/ Polynesians arrived there far earlier than the theories in the books say... long before the scholars will admit to.

I just read something tofay on the Polynesians and Hawaii and this may have something to do with a culture that predates there presence on Hawaii. It is said in the polynesian and hawaiian culture that there were people on the island before the establishment of Polynesian culture.

Looks very similar to the Rongo Rongo script uncovered on Easter Island.

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April

April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan.

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