Hawaiian Quilt - Kukui o Lono (Lamps of Lono)
Name/Title
Hawaiian Quilt - Kukui o Lono (Lamps of Lono)Entry/Object ID
MK_0035Description
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 purple applique in a single contour stitch, Kalama and her team fashioned this exquisite floral scrollwork design, a homage to the historical Kukui o Lono site on the island of Kauai. Kukui o Lono was the site of a historic Hawaiian Heiau, or sacred place of worship. Situated on a hilltop, residents would light a lamp on the site to safely guide fishermen and other canoes that were miles out at sea. The name Kukui o Lono means lamp of Lono - an ancient Hawaiian deity, with whom the site is associated. 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 KalamaDate made
circa 1978Place
State/Province
Hawai'iCountry
U.S.A.Continent
North AmericaDimensions
Height
84 inLength
84 inHeight
97 inLength
87 inHeight
90-5/8 inWidth
92-1/4 inDepth
3-7/8 inLength
90-3/4 inLocation
Area
6th Floor Mauka-South WingFloor
6th FloorBuilding
Main Tower* Untyped Location
Storage ShedFloor
6th FloorBuilding
Main TowerFloor
6th FloorBuilding
Main TowerRoom
2nd Floor Art Storage RoomFloor
2nd FloorBuilding
Beach WingMK-MKBH Warehouse