Hawaiian Quilt - Lei Mokihana o Kauai (Symbols of Aloha)

Textile

-

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Name/Title

Hawaiian Quilt - Lei Mokihana o Kauai (Symbols of Aloha)

Entry/Object ID

MK_0018

Description

This vibrant piece is one of 23 Hawaiian quilts crafted under the supervision of Meali'i Kalama, commissioned by the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in the 1980s. Kalama, a distinguished local quilt artist, had previously crafted a collection of 30 original quilts at the request of hotel founder Laurance Rockefeller in the 1960s, to honor the islands' rich quilting tradition spanning over a century. But by the 1980s, many of the original pieces had to be replaced following 20 years of guest handling and exposure to the elements within the hotel. Kalama was honored to continue to contribute to the Mauna Kea’s quilt collection, but for this commission, without Rockefeller's prior direction to use pastel tones, she was allowed to design the quilts in more traditional, brighter colors. This particular quilt is thought to have been crafted as a replacement for an older, green quilt that was burned. In some Hawaiian traditions, quilts were burned or destroyed upon the death of the quilter or when they were no longer needed, as they were believed to embody the mana (spiritual essence) of the creator, and burning them ensured the spirit didn't linger. Kalama and her team fashioned the new design using a purple applique in a single contour stitch, composing a central floral medallion surrounded by two square leaf and flower garlands or lei’s - traditional Hawaiian garlands used to represent love, friendship, celebration or greeting; in essence, symbols of Aloha. Containing over 2 million stitches and the product of more than 1,000 hours of meticulous work, this quilt merges contemporary craftsmanship with historical practices, offering a stunning insight into Hawaiian culture. This treasured piece was very recently reframed.

Made/Created

Artist

Meali'i Kalama

Date made

1984

Place

State/Province

Hawai'i

Country

U.S.A.

Continent

North America

Dimensions

Height

85 in

Length

85 in

Height

90-5/8 in

Width

92-7/8 in

Depth

4 in

Length

90-5/8 in

Location

Area

5th Floor Mauka-South Wing

Floor

5th Floor

Building

Main Tower

* Untyped Location

Storage Shed

Floor

5th Floor

Building

Main Tower

Floor

5th Floor

Building

Main Tower