Indian Fusion Music and Kanewai Lo'i

Our Field Trip

by Nanea Chu

Today, my class went on a field trip. First, we went to East-West Center to listen to Indian music. There were only three instruments. It was the cello, tabla, and the sitar. Then they started to play the music. It was cool. My favorite instrument was the cello.

Next, we went to the lo'i. First, when we got there we sat down and heard a story about a God of fresh water. The other God was the God of salt water. Then we went to a fresh water stream and saw how the water goes to the lo'i. We also learned a new song. Finally, it was time to go in the lo'i. We threw in leaves which is food for the kalo. Then we stepped on the leaves to mix them in the lo'i. It was so mushy!

I had fun and I hope we can go again!

These are the Indian Musicians.

They played the sitar, cello, and tabla.

We listened to a legend about Kane and Kanaloa.

We are learning about the stream on the left side of the photo.

We picked up lots of leaves to put in the lo'i.

This is called "laulima", many hands working together.

We helped throw the leaves in the lo'i.

Here we go! Stomping in the mud is so much fun!

We are working so hard!

Don't forget to squish all of the leaves into the mud!

We helped to churn the mud in this lo'i that is almost ready to be planted.

After a day of hard work, we wash off in the auwai.