Clothing

Bark Cloth

A large, rectangular Hawaiian bark cloth (kapa) made of mamaki (Pipturus albidus). Two pieces fastened together on one side. A patterned bark beater with a hoopai (parallel lines with sharp edges) motif was used in its production, leaving visible markings in the cloth. The bark cloth is grey in color with a surface decoration on both sides of black stripes.

Kapa cloth is produced from the inner bark of a tree, typically wauke (paper mulberry), which is cultivated, harvested, and processed through soaking, scraping, fermenting, and repeated beating to form and refine the cloth. Patterned beaters may be used during production to create watermarks that can reflect regional styles or maker affiliations. After drying, the cloth is decorated using natural dyes and bamboo implements.

Finished kapa was utilized in various ways, most prominently as clothing items. This includes pāʻū (skirts) for women and malo (loincloth) for men. Kapa was also used as kapa moe (bedding), and for presenting to family members, friends, and individuals of higher social rank.