January 11, 2006
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
BISHOP MUSEUM’S TRADITIONS OF THE PACIFIC FEATURES HAWAIIAN BIRDS AND FEATHERS
HONOLULU – Bishop Museum 's quarterly program, Traditions of the Pacific, continues in January with Paulette Kahalepuna and Dr. Sheila Conant highlighting Hawaiian birds and feathers. The two-day lecture and workshop will focus on Hawai‘i’s native birds and lei hulu, the ancient Hawaiian practice of feather lei making and feather artistry. The lecture will be held on Thursday, January 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Hawaiian Hall and the workshop will be on Saturday, January 28 in the Pākī Conference Room II from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
During the lecture, master feather lei maker Kahalepuna and her mother Aunty Mary Lou Kekuewa will feature various types of feather pieces, while Dr. Conant, Chair of the Zoology Department at the University of Hawai‘i - M ā noa, will discuss the various birds used during pre- and post-contact. Special items from the Museum’s collection will be brought out for participants to view after the presentation.
For day two, Kahalepuna will lead a feather art workshop where participants will learn how and be able to create a 2-foot hand-held kāhili.
The fee for the presentation is $5 general admission and free for Bishop Museum members. The workshop fee is $45 for members/$60 for non-members and includes all supplies. Seating is limited and reservations are required for both sessions. For reservations or more information, call 848-4189.
About the presenters
Paulette Kahalepuna, affectionately known as Aunty Paulette, is a master of the ancient Hawaiian practice of lei hulu. Since learning this traditional art form from her mother, Aunty Paulette has dedicated herself to educating the community about the importance of preserving feather craft. For several years, she has helped to keep this tradition alive by teaching a diverse audience how to create their own feather pieces. Through her dedication to revive ancient Hawaiian customs, many practice the art of lei hulu today.
Dr. Sheila Contant has devoted her career to Hawai‘i’s indigenous birds and exploring their relationships with the native ecosystem. After she received her doctorate in zoology from the University of Oklahoma in 1972, Dr. Conant moved back to the islands. She joined the staff of the University of Hawai ‘i and Bishop Museum and has published numerous books, reports, articles, and papers on Hawaiian ecology and conservation. Through her efforts, we have a much deeper understanding of Hawaiian birds and their place in the islands.
Traditions of the Pacific is a quarterly program that highlights the cultural heritage of Hawai‘i, Asia , and the Pacific through stories, lectures, demonstrations, and workshops.
A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street , the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years, special rates for kama ‘āina , seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Members are free. For information, call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.