Makaʻāinana

The makaʻāinana were the commoners of ancient Hawaiʻi, who farmed, fished and practised the simpler crafts, labouring for their families and to support the chiefs (aliʻi) and priests (kahuna). In Hawaiian belief all land belonged to the gods; the chiefs managed it and controlled the commoners who worked it. When a chief died or was defeated the lands were shared out anew, but commoners were usually left in their houses and fields, paying tribute and labour to the new chief under a new overseer (konohiki). Beneath them were only the kauwā: servants, slaves and outcasts.