Professor 'Okusi Mahina and Hon. Viliami Latu

If you have been wondering about the two brownish steel sculptures that have been erected on the entrance to the newly restructured Vuna Wharf, Professor 'Okusitino Mahina from the National Public Art Programme has the answer, "they are artistic impressions of the beautiful maiden Hina and her beloved pet eel, and one is called Hinavakamea, Hina-the-iron-boat and the other, a mirror image of Hinavakamea, is called Tunavakamea, Tuna-the-iron-boat."

The two sculptures are the work of a Tongan artist and architect, Semisi Fetokai Potauaine, in collaboration  with Professor 'Okusitino Mahina who advised him on Tongan cultural matters. The project is one of the little known entity, the National Public Art Program of the Minister of Tourism, Hon Dr Viliami Uasike Latu.

Professor Mahina confirmed that the brownish look of the sculpture did not mean that they were rusting already, but was because they were made of corten steel so that they had "that kind of mystical brownish look".

He said that the philosophy behind the sculptures is drawn from the Tongan legend of Hina and her pet eel which also tells the story of the evolution of the coconut tree, which is part of our Tongan identity.

Geometric designs

"That story is then reflected aesthetically by the Tongan kupesi complex, elaborate and beautiful geometric designs, which consisted of a multiplicity of infinitely unified changing kupesi, both old and new, crisscrossing in multi-dimensional and multi-directional ways. Herein, the points of intersection, that is, connection and separation, are mediated by way of symmetry and harmony, transforming them from a condition of crisis to a state of stasis, in order to produce beauty," he said.

Dr  Latu said that the sculptures Hinavakamea and Tunavakamea were the first project of the National Public Art Program, which he initiated with the aim to showcase "the richness of the Tongan culture and heritage, and to promote Tonga as an unique tourism destination." He said that their installment at the Vuna Wharf, a prime spot was befitting because "they will greet tourists when they arrive on cruiseships at Vuna Wharf."

He said that work on the sculptures began early this year. They were fabricated by Necklen Engineering of Auckland and installed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation CCECC and Necklen Engineering.

The Hina and her pet eel project was funded by the CCECC and the Tonga Communication Corporation.