April 3, 2006
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
BISHOP MUSEUM PROGRAM TEACHES TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN CRAFTING THROUGH HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATIONS
HONOLULU – There is a growing interest in today’s society to learn more about different cultures, with residents and visitors alike seeking authentic new ways to experience a culture. Bishop Museum has responded by coordinating a program of free, interactive workshops taught by highly skilled Native Hawaiian artisans who are masters at their craft. Both Hawai‘i visitors and residents can learn from a trained and experienced expert and try their hands at a number of different Hawaiian crafts including lei making, stone carving, Hawaiian quilting and lauhala weaving.
Presented by the Native Hawaiian Producer Resource Center, the workshops promote Native Hawaiian culture and preservation by educating museum-goers on ancient and contemporary Hawaiian arts and customs. Held Mondays through Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., workshops include:
Mondays – Fancy Ti-Leaf Lei Making
The ti-leaf is a plant that is very significant in Hawaiian culture with uses ranging from religious practices to medicinal purposes and even cooking. Ti-leaf, is also used as décor and used to make many styles of lei. Participants will learn more about about this plant and how to make fancy ti-leaf lei from master lei maker, Dot Sakamoto.
Tuesdays – Kalae Pohaku
Traditional stone mason, Atwood “Maka” Makani, leads this demonstration in the traditional sacred art form of stone on stone carving, grinding, polishing and finishing.
Wednesdays – `Ie`ie Weaving
Native Hawaiian artisan Solomon Aipo demonstrates and shares his knowledge of ‘ie‘ie weaving in this session, showing visitors how the root is used to weave fish and shrimp traps, coverings around gourds, feathered images and helmets.
Thursdays – Lauhala Weaving
Artisan Gwen Kamisugi shows visitors the basic techniques of weaving lauhala. An important part of Polynesian culture and craft, lauhala was once used as roofing materials, floor coverings, bedding mats, clothing, sails and for baskets.
Fridays – Hawaiian Quilting
Led by Poakalani Serrao, a third generation Hawaiian quilter and leading quilt designer, this class teaches participants how Hawaiian quilts are made, how they are unique from all other types of quilts, and how their style and designs have evolved since quilting techniques were introduced in 1820.
Alternating Saturdays – Lomilomi
Licensed massage therapist and lomilomi practitioner, Chris Kawika Brown, leads this hands-on class on the basics of lomilomi, traditional Hawaiian massage.
Alternating Saturdays – Lauhala Weaving
Students of Ulana Me Ka Lokomaika‘i show visitors the basic techniques of weaving lauhala and the many different uses and types of lauhala. Visitors will also learn why it is so important that we care for the hala resources and learn proper harvesting procedures to ensure the perpetuation and growth of this traditional art form.
The cost to participate in each workshop is free and does not require Museum admission nor advance reservations. Participants need simply check in at the Museum entrance for further direction.
This program is supported by Bishop Museum and Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Program (NHCAP), which is funded through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and by funding from the U.S. Department of Education. The Native Hawaiian Producer Resource Center’s mission is to promote the advancement of Native Hawaiian producers through training, educational opportunities, and technical assistance.
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.