Kahu kakaka (male dance costume)

This dance costume from Rapanui (Easter Island) reflects the use of local materials, such as the kakaka banana fibre and shells, and imported materials, such as the feathers and nylon.

Kakaka

Some materials require a great deal of preparation, others can be used as they are found. This costume is made predominantly of kakaka. Kakaka preparation is time consuming. It involves the selecting and cutting of banana trunks, which are then left to dry for a period of four days. Once dry, the outer 'skin' is peeled off and a spoon is used to scrape the surface to get to the inner fibre of which the skirt, arm bracelet, leg bracelets, and belt of this costume are made.

Components

The costume is comprised of six parts; a fibre skirt, a fibre and shell belt worn on top of the top, a headdress, an arm bracelet, leg bracelets, and shell necklaces. When worn, the body also becomes another element that completes costume - especially when body paints and pigments are applied. Certain dance repertoires also involve the use of accessories such as the ao and rapa (dance paddles) and ua (ceremonial staff or club).

Artistic expression

Dance costumes can be as much a medium for artistic expression and creativity as dance and song. Costumes range from the very simple to the very elaborate. The ways in which local materials are used, adapted, and combined with imported materials reflects the creative spirit of both the costume makers and the dancers.
The materials often reflect the local environment. The use of certain flowers and leaves may depend on availability, cultural preferences or aesthetics. Particular flowers or shells may be only available in certain places; plants and materials may have different cultural values, or symbolise different things; some may be rare, others more common.