November 10, 2006
BISHOP MUSEUM’S KŪPUNA SERIES EXPLORES FEATHERED ORNAMENTS AND CLOAKS
HONOLULU – He ali‘i ka manu, “A bird is a chief, a bird flies and perches higher than any human.” This Hawaiian proverb signifies the importance of manu (birds), and the intricate role of the featherwork birds to Hawaiian society. Bishop Museum ’s upcoming Kūpuna Series lecture explores the art of featherwork and the preparation and significance of feathered ornaments and cloaks. Led by Kumu Hula Kaha’i Topolinski, this special presentation is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 2006 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Bishop Museum .
Bishop Museum ’s latest exhibit, Nā Hulu Ali’i: Royal Feathers, will set the tone for the lecture, as guests will be surrounded by the rare and magnificent featherwork pieces on display. Topolinski, best known for his efforts to preserve the traditional art of hula, has sought to bring back the ancient art of featherwork through extensive workshops, with emphasis on feather lei, kāhili, and ‘ahu’ula making. He will be sharing his expertise, chants, and mo‘olelo (stories) of featherwork and the significance to Hawaiian culture. Topolinski will also be discussing the status of featherwork in Hawaiian society, who had the right to handle feathers, what made featherwork so cherished, and the family traditions of feathermakers.
Bishop Musuem’s Kūpuna Series celebrates and shares the knowledge of native Hawaiian masters and cultural practitioners in the Hawaiian community
This program is supported by the Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Program (NHCAP), which is funded through a cooperation agreement with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and by funding from the U.S. Department of Education.
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 Pauahi Bernice 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, plus 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.