Kapa (tapa cloth)

Hawaiian society and culture was severely affected by colonial and missionary settlement during the 1800s. As a result, the cultural production of kapa had ended by the late 1800s. Almost 100 years later, during the 1960s, this art practice was revived by native Hawaiians.

This kapa was made by native Hawaiian artist Maile Andrade, who is Assistant Professor at the Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies,University of Hawai'i. Andrade has decorated the kapa with dyes made from various plants. The dark brown comes from the palapalai fern, grey/blue from 'uki'uki berries, light grey/blue and light green from hau and ma'o flowers, and reddish brown from the noni tree. Olena (ginger) has been applied for cleansing and protection.

This collection narrative is based on the Tapa: Pacific Style exhibition on display at Te Papa, level 4 (September 2009 - September 2010).