Tala ‘O e Kumete - Part of ArtsLab: Overflow

By Elijah Lemusuifeauali'i Mentored by Sisi'uno Helu

Tala 'O e Kumete is a gallery exhibition that expands on the personal experiences of artist & carver, Elijah Lemusuifeauali'i and his journey of exploring Pacific knowledge, with specific focus on stories and carving of Kumete/ Tanoa. It tells "Stories of the Kumete" to share and feed other Pasifika diaspora who, like him, are eagerly waiting, hungry for knowledge.

Born and raised in the diaspora, where access and availability to Pacific ancestral knowledge can often be scarce, Tala 'O e Kumete gives insight into one of many experiences that offered Lemusifeauali'i a unique opportunity for discovery - the melodic and intellectual space of the Faikava.

While the faikava served as a vessel to his learning pursuits, 'Ava (Kava, Piper methysticum) was the medium to meaningful conversations and connection. Combined with carving, academic and cultural mentors, Tala 'O e Kumete highlights a vital component to his cultural development - the Kumete/ Tanoa.