The people made their own household gods, and destroyed…
““The people made their own household gods, and destroyed them when they failed to contribute to their success. For example, at Ninole, on the southeast coast of Hawaii, is a small beach called Kaloa, the stones of which, it was thought, propagated by contact with each other. From the large stones the people made gods to preside over their games. When a stone was selected for a god it was taken to the heiau where certain ceremonies were performed over it. It was then dressed and taken to witness some game or pastime. If the owner was successful it was accepted as a god; if unsuccessful more than once or twice, it was thrown away or wrought into an axe or adze.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People created idols from stones, worshipped them for success, and discarded them when they failed.
In simple terms: Stone idols were made, used, and abandoned based on performance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the fleeting nature of symbols of power.
Themes
religion
ritual
failure
success
material culture
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
anthropological
historical
When to use this quote
- ceremonial games
- leadership decisions
- community rites
- artifact repurposing
Key Concepts
animism
symbolic authority
cultural adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does discarding a failed idol say about community values?
- How might this inform modern views on success symbols?
A Different Perspective
The practice may reflect deeper social pressures rather than mere superstition.