Name/Title
Hawaiian Quilt - Kukui o Lanikaula (Candlenut Grove of Lanikaula)Entry/Object ID
MK_0021Description
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 brighter colors.
Using a pale olive applique in a single contour stitch, Kalama and her team fashioned this exquisite leaf design, meant to represent the legendary kukui nut (candlenut) grove of Lanikaula. Thought to have lived several centuries ago, Lanikaula was a famed kahuna (expert or wise person), who had a great knowledge of life and death, and some believe he possessed the power of divination. However, following his death, his sons hid his burial site in a grove of kukui nut trees to hide his body from persecutors, and the site has since become a place of pilgrimage and worship.
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
Date made
circa 1978Place
State/Province
Hawai'iCountry
U.S.A.Continent
North AmericaDimensions
Height
84 inLength
84 inHeight
84-1/2 inLength
84-1/2 inHeight
90-5/8 inWidth
92-5/8 inDepth
3-7/8 inLength
90-3/4 inLocation
Area
5th Floor Makai-North WingFloor
5th FloorBuilding
Main Tower* Untyped Location
Storage ShedFloor
5th FloorBuilding
Main TowerFloor
5th FloorBuilding
Main Tower