October 29 to November 2, 2009 - Our second Kahili workshop starts Thursday Oct. 29. We are expecting a full house – very good news, that people are excited to work with Paulette Kahalepuna to build two new kahili. Some of the preliminary steps have been made to expedite the process so we can complete both of them in a weekend - task that involves many hands and lots of time.
For those of you who may not know – kahili or feather standards were the markers of ali’i (Hawaiian royalty). These feather standards in large and smaller hand-held versions, led processions, held court, and reminded the commoners that these were indeed ali’i that needed to be respected. They were exclusive of the ali’i’s place in Hawai’i's society and are symbols that deserve honor and respect.
Auntie Paulette will be making two standard size kahili – as they are usually made in pairs. They will be on 8′ custom made poles with mallard duck feathers. The workshop will cover the entire process and the hope is that we will be able to photograph, document, and review – how to make a kahili from start to finish.
Auntie Paulette and her late mother Auntie Mary Lou Kekuewa are premiere artists in the art of Hawaiian featherwork and their book on that is a unique resource on feather lei. This kahili workshop will take that one step further and eventually produce a small book on building feather kahili.
The two kahili that this weekend will produce will be gifted to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. Paulette’s ‘ohana is from the Honaunau area and it will be an appropriate gift for the park.
A beautiful kahili in the red 'ohi'a blossom color.
A close view of a small kahili lele of rooster hackles
They will be showcased during festivals and special events there often. Look forward to follow-up photos of the new kahili in November along with pictures of them being made.