For over 25 years, Dalani Tanahy has been practicing the art of Polynesian bark cloth collectively known as ‘tapa’ with a special emphasis on the tapa or ‘kapa’ made in the Hawaiian Islands. She utlizes traditional handmade wooden beaters, ohe kapala bamboo stamps, and native plants like kukui bark, 'olena root, ma'o flower, achiote seeds, uki'uki' berries, he'e squid ink, and local clays to paint her cloth. Dalani teaches the art of kapa making at the Cultural Learning Center at Ka’ala in Wai’anae. Sharing the tradition and intricacies of this art are the most important objectives to her:
" “He Kumu Wai ‘Ole” means the water without a source. This `ōlelo no`eau refers to a story from Kawaihapai, O`ahu where fresh water miraculously appeared during a drought. I am reminded that although we did not learn kapa making from our source…our grandmothers and Kupuna, as Kupuna ourselves, our grandchildren and our many students, will learn this art from us. Kapa continues to be a personal journey for me as I teach and to learn about this practice of our Hawaiian ancestors. Kapa making has given me opportunities to work alone quietly as well as encounter places and people throughout the world. It seems that I am on my second, third, and fourth circle now as I go forward with my work of teaching, cultivating and developing as a kapa artist. I am very pleased to be able to share some of what I have learned in the hopes of giving people a small appreciation of the seemingly simple yet complex work of my Hawaiian ancestors. " - Dalani Tanahy
Visit www.kapahawaii.com to learn more about the important history and art form of Kapa in Hawai’i.
Tinctoria is composed by Lys Guillorn & Her Band • Download/stream the full song Here