Waist Band

Bark Cloth

A long strip of Hawaiian bark cloth (kapa) made of the inner bark of a tree. The surface decoration is multiple blocks of repeating natural and black triangles. The designs were likely ruled, then filled in freehand. The bark cloth is identified as a woman's waistband based on the original cataloguing.

Kapa cloth is produced from the inner bark of a tree, typically wauke (paper mulberry), which is cultivated, harvested, and processed through soaking, scraping, fermenting, and repeated beating to form and refine the cloth. Patterned beaters may be used during production to create watermarks that can reflect regional styles or maker affiliations. After drying, the cloth is decorated using natural dyes and bamboo implements.

Finished kapa was utilized in various ways, most prominently as clothing items. This includes pāʻū (skirts) for women and malo (loincloth) for men. Kapa was also used as kapa moe (bedding), and for presenting to family members, friends, and individuals of higher social rank.