276 Haili St. Hilo
HI 96720
(L) Queen Kaʻahumanu wearing kapa. Depiction by Louis Choris, 1819 (R) Thick piece of decorated Hawaiian kapa used for ceremonial malo, ca. 1790-1810. Photo credit: British Museum
Evening Presentation:
On Monday evening, April 14, join us for an insightful presentation exploring the rich history and ongoing evolution of Hawaiian kapa, the traditional barkcloth of Hawaiʻi. Beginning with its refined practice in the 1700s, this talk traces kapa’s journey through centuries of cultural shifts, from its vital role in precontact society and the development of intricate designs using natural materials, to the impact of Western contact and subsequent decline in the 19th and 20th centuries. UH-Hilo student Puakea Forester then celebrates the remarkable resurgence of kapa in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, showcasing contemporary artists who are revitalizing this art form—blending traditional techniques with modern interpretations and ensuring its continued relevance and cultural significance for generations to come. Tonight’s program is the first of two presentations highlighting traditional barkcloth of the Pacific Islands; join us tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday, April 15 for a comparison of such traditions in Hawaiʻi, Tonga, Sāmoa, and Fiji! $3; free to Museum members. For details: (808) 935-5021 or www.lymanmuseum.org.
Please support the Museum by becoming a member, and enjoy all Saigo Series programs, all year round, at no charge! Seating is limited; first come, first seated. ON MONDAY EVENINGS ONLY, additional parking is available next door at Hilo Union School, Kapiolani Street entrance; park, then walk through our green gate in the rock wall. On Monday evenings, doors open at 6:30PM. E komo mai!
Lyman Museum ~ 276 Haili St ~ Hilo, Hawai‘i ~ (808) 935-5021 www.lymanmuseum.org ~ www.facebook.com/lymanmuseum The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawai‘i to tell the story of its islands and its people.
