top of page
Ohe Kapala
n. Piece of bamboo carved for printing tapa; bamboo stamp. Lit., printing bamboo
Hawaiian Dictionary
by
Mary Kawena Pukui
Samuel H. Elbert
Harvesting
There is a whole process to harvesting bamboo to make kapala, it is more that just cutting down trees.
Nalu harvests his bamboo at an ohana's farm in Kalihi Valley, by helping to remove the invasive species and make way for a community garden. When harvesting bamboo, it is important to be aware of who else uses the area and the safety precautions that must be followed.
Carving
There are many different techniques that can be used to carve ohe kapala.
Using small chisels and knives, Nalu is able to create clean, intricate patterns for his ohe kapala using the chip carving technique. Nalu's designs are often inspired by nature and his research at the Bishop Museum.
Uses
Ohe Kapala is traditionally used for stamping kapa or clothing.
In modern times, the use of ohe kapala has branched out to more than just stamping clothing. It can be used for stationary, jewelry, and more. Ohe Kapala is still used today for stamping kapa for many hula halau.
bottom of page