Kapa
/หkษห.pษ/noun
A traditional Hawaiian textile made from the bark of the wauke plant, used for clothing and ceremonial purposes.
Did you know?The art of kapa making is steeped in ancient Hawaiian rituals, believed to be a form of communication with the gods, using patterns to tell stories.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Polynesian
PPN
*kapa
โa type of cloth or fabric used in traditional practices.โ
Old Hawaiian
Haw
kapa
โbark cloth, specifically made for clothing and ceremonial items.โ
Early 19th Century
Haw
kapa
โevolved into a more intricate art form, often decorated with natural dyes and patterns.โ
Modern Hawaiian
Haw
kapa
โcontinues to be a cultural symbol, representing heritage and identity in Hawaiian culture.โ