Digital ʻUmeke

“Aloha pumehana kākou! We warmly welcome you to Digital ʻUmeke by Hula Preservation Society (HPS). The Hawaiian term “ʻumeke” describes a container crafted from natural gourd or wood and used to transport and store items, goods, or liquids. This site is an an ʻumeke of ʻike (knowledge), created to cultivate a meaningful understanding of Hawaiʻi, as shared through the voices of its native people. There is a saying that a well filled ʻumeke, or “ka ʻumeke kāʻeo,” represents a well-filled mind. HPS shares these materials with the hope that you may find sustenance through knowledge, insight, understanding, and aloha, as imparted through these remarkable people.

Digital ‘Umeke is the culmination of HPS’s efforts since the year 2000 to document and share the lives of revered hula elders and community members. Curated materials from the HPS Archive provide a unique and well-rounded view of the lives of these elders and their pivotal roles in the preservation and perpetuation of ʻike Hawaiʻi in the 20th century. Born in the 1910s-1930s, these kūpuna (elders) are connected by their love of Hula (Hawaiian dance), an art form and way of life. They collectively embody and seamlessly interweave cultural traditions, history, poetry, art, literature, philosophy, religion, socio-economic impacts, music, composition, language and more.”

Visit hpsarchive.libraries.wsu.edu to learn more.