Just to the left of the lowest point in the ridge rises a rocky formation that outsiders had sometimes referred to as a “gorilla playing an organ.” Where this originated is unknown, but there has never been a gorilla in Mo’orea, nor did the original inhabitants have organs. However, the locals have their own legend of the rocky ridge which is based in reality.
They see a lady with a “pahu,” which is a giant drum, guarding Pao Pao Bay (aka Cook’s Bay). In fact, lookouts were traditionally placed on high ridges to watch the bays and inlets to the lagoon, and would sound an alert to people below by with drums or by drumming on certain trees with projections from the trunk to the roots which reverberated like a large drum. Sometimes there would be multiple stations to relay the warning sounds to the general population.
It made good sense to signal the people to be ready for the new arrivals, friend or foe. Hence the legend of the lady with the pahu is based in reality, so I wouldn’t monkey around with other nonsensical stories regarding the rocky ridge.
#lady #pahu #paopaobay #cookbay #moorea
Eskildoodle Photos and Feelings 