The Lyman Museum in Hilo will feature traditional Hawaiian featherwork and demonstrations by Lei Hulu of Hilo May 1-12, as it presents its annual homage to this artistic tradition unique to Hawaii.
The Lyman Museum in Hilo will feature traditional Hawaiian featherwork and demonstrations by Lei Hulu of Hilo May 1-12, as it presents its annual homage to this artistic tradition unique to Hawaii.
For the past seven years, Doreen Henderson and her students, collectively known as Lei Hulu of Hilo, have delighted Lyman Museum visitors with a colorful display of feather masterpieces such as lei hulu (feather lei), kahili (royal feather standards), ‘uli‘uli (feather gourds and rattles), ‘ahu‘ula (feather capes), and mahiole (helmet).
In celebration of Lei Day on Tuesday, May 1, the artists will return with an exhibition complete with daily demonstrations by these cultural practitioners.
Henderson, a native of Hilo who has dedicated her life to the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian featherwork, has been practicing the art for more than 30 years. She studied under master kumu Mary Kahihilani Kovitch, a student of Mary Lou Kekuewa, one of the foremost featherwork teachers in Hawaii.
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii to tell the story of its island and people. The museum at 276 Haili St. is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. For additional information on this special exhibit and museum admission, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.