Focus Hawaii Tuione Pulotu Artist

Authors

• Lance Chase
• Tuione Pulotu

Files

Description

Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Tuione Pulotu, a self‑taught Tongan sculptor and Hawai‘i resident, whose remarkable woodcarving reflects both traditional Polynesian influences and his own artistic vision. Pulotu recounts his journey from growing up in Tonga with limited artistic resources to developing a passion for carving after exposure to Hawaiian woodworking and museum collections. Balancing a full‑time construction business with his creative work, he describes his process of shaping pieces directly from the natural form and grain of wood, often drawing inspiration from Hawaiian, Tongan, and Marquesan designs. The program highlights several of his works, including bowls, paddles, and canoes, and features his most significant creation—a seven‑foot‑tall ceremonial throne carved from a single piece of wood for the future King of Tonga, completed as a personal labor of devotion rather than for compensation. Through his story, the episode celebrates artistic dedication, cultural identity, and the enduring power of craftsmanship in Polynesian tradition.

Length of Video

00:28:30

File Size

202.9MB

Archives Call Number

22.FH

Air Date

6-9-1988

Keywords

Lance Chase, Focus Hawaii, Tuione Pulotu, Tongan artist, wood carving, Polynesian sculpture, Hawaiian woodwork, monkey pod wood, traditional carving, Pacific Island art, cultural craftsmanship, Polynesian Cultural Center history, Tonga royal throne, self‑taught artist, Pacific art traditions, indigenous artistry, Hawaii artists.

Disciplines

Art and Design

Recommended Citation

Chase, Lance and Pulotu, Tuione, "Focus Hawaii Tuione Pulotu Artist" (1988). Focus Hawaii. 28.
https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/focushawaii/28