(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.
(L) Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hāmākua Kapa Hui, 2018. Photo credit: Puakea Forester (R) Tongan ngatu, 2023. Photo credit: Puakea Forester
Matinée Presentation:
On Tuesday afternoon, April 15, discover the captivating world of Pacific barkcloth as we examine the dynamic traditions of kapa from Hawaiʻi, ngatu from Tonga, siapo from Sāmoa, and tapa/masi from Fiji. Follow the fascinating processes by which tree bark is transformed into cloth, from the tools and techniques unique to each island group to the vibrant natural dyes that bring designs to life. We explore the shared cultural heritage and deep symbolic meanings embedded in these textiles, while at the same time appreciating the distinct artistic expressions and traditional uses—ranging from clothing to ceremonial attire to contemporary art forms—that define the barkcloth of each nation. UH-Hilo student Puakea Forester follows last night’s Part 1 focus on Hawaiian kapa with this afternoon’s Part 2 presentation: a unique opportunity to compare and contrast these “cloth without weaving” traditions and to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural landscapes of the Pacific Islands. $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.
