Clothing

Bark Cloth

A long, rectangular Hawaiian bark cloth (kapa), made of the inner bark of a tree. The bark cloth is oiled and brown in color with no painted or printed surface decoration. Kukui nut (Aleurites moluccanus) was used to give pigment to the cloth.

The tapa was acquired during the United States Exploring Expedition (1838-1842) by Titian R. Peale. The object is identified on Peale's list as a 'Man’s dress [garment]'.

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.