Visitors can experience an artistic tradition unique to Hawaii at the Lyman Museum’s current exhibition of featherwork by Lei Hulu of Hilo. In celebration of Lei Day these gifted cultural practitioners return to the museum with an exhibition and daily
Visitors can experience an artistic tradition unique to Hawaii at the Lyman Museum’s current exhibition of featherwork by Lei Hulu of Hilo. In celebration of Lei Day these gifted cultural practitioners return to the museum with an exhibition and daily demonstrations through May 11.
For the past seven years, Aunty 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).
Lei Hulu of Hilo was founded by Hilo native Henderson, who has dedicated her life to the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian featherwork and has been practicing the art for over 30 years. She studied under Master Kumu Mary Kahihilani Kovitch, a student of Aunty Mary Lou Kekuewa, who is considered one of the foremost featherwork teachers in Hawaii.
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. Located in downtown Hilo at 276 Haili St., the museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For additional information on this special exhibit and museum admission, please call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.
