Pūloʻuloʻu

They are traditional symbols of authority which are used in modern times including the Seal of the State of Hawaii.

They represented the ancestors of an aliʻi who had died and return from Po (heaven).

They often contain the relics of deceased ancestors such as bones, teeth, hair and other important remains.

[3] Their use as symbols of the kapu was introduced by Paʻao, a high priest (kahuna nui) from Kahiki.

[9] The coat of arms of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the seal of the State of Hawaii features the pūloʻuloʻu as a symbol of authority.