Kapo- Polynesian GodDeity"Goddess of Sorcery"
Also known as: Kapo-'ula-kina'u
Description
Sister of Pele who saved the volcano goddess from the pig-god Kamapua'a by sending her own kohe lele, a detachable flying vagina, soaring across the islands to lure him away. It left its mark in the crater rim of Koko Head on O'ahu.
Mythology & Lore
The Kohe Lele
Kamapua'a drove his rains and floods against Pele's volcanic fires, pressing the goddess toward defeat. Kapo, who had traveled from Kahiki with Pele's divine family and carried powers her sisters did not share, intervened. She sent her kohe lele, her detachable flying vagina, soaring from her body across the landscape. Kamapua'a could not resist. He abandoned Pele and chased the flying organ across the islands until it struck the crater rim of Koko Head on O'ahu, leaving the impression still visible there. Kapo saved her sister by sacrificing part of her own body.
Sorcery and the Dance
Kapo commanded 'ana'ana, Hawaiian sorcery that could kill at a distance. Kamakau recorded that sorcery specialists operated under her authority, chanting over ritual objects to direct her power against their enemies.
She also received offerings at hula altars. Some traditions dedicated specific performances to her rather than to Laka. Through movement, dancers who performed for Kapo summoned fertility and death in the same chant.