Sitting nearly 2,000 miles off of the mainland of the United States are the "Sandwich Islands," as Captain James Cook first described them as. The tropical islands of Hawaii have been known for its rich array of culture and diversity. As a Pacific melting pot, a broad range of artisans work with many medium to create unique works of art. Today, a few artisans are using the art of kapa and quilting.
The beauty of the Hawaiian Islands has inspired countless artists in the creation of some of the world's most treasured collectables. Much of the artwork created in the Islands today has roots in the ancient cultural practices of Hawaii. The ancient Hawaiian artisans were skillful craftsmen with extremely high standards of work and a unique perspective on artistic nature. They believed that each undertaking was a test of self and dedication to the Hawaiian culture and religion. Na hana noeau refers to "wise and skillful works" and represents works of ancient Hawaiian art that were functional, as well as beautiful. In this case, kapa is one of the arts of Na hana noeau of ancient Hawaii.
Kapa making is an art that was first used throughout the Pacific, despite the fact that it was perfected in Polynesia. Captain James Cook was captivated by the artistic beauty of the cloth made of pounded bark. So-called "improvements of civilized society" was the intoduction of woven cloth, which became accessible that kapa making dissapeared within a century after the arrival of Cook. It wasn't until the 1970s that a renaissance of interest and pride in the Hawaiian culturecaused artisans like Big Island's Kanae Keawe and Puanani van Dorpe to research old techniques and attempt to revive the art.
It is said that Hawaiian quilting had been started when two wives were introduced to quilting by the missionaries. Hawaiians used a different type of material, kapa, which wasn't as much as a waste , since missionaries back then, cut pieces into large squares , rearranged them, and sewed them back together. Instead, Hawaiians used every bit of kapa they needed and gave any extra for the missionaries to use.
Bishop Museum is a historical landmark that has arts, showing the history of Hawaii and how it began. Instituted by the Hawaii State Legislature in 1965, the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and Art (HSFCA) is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and perpetuating cultural arts in the Hawaiian Islands.
