Before the first contact with Western people, the Hawaiians made a type of quilt called a Kapa, which was made by pounding the bark of the Wauke (Mulberry) tree into a fabric on which they could print geometric and snowflake designs.
The Islanders applied these ideas and used their natural surroundings as inspiration. You will find the trees, native birds, animals and flowers in most Hawaiian snowflake quilt designs.
Missionary women introduced fabric into the art of Hawaiian quilting to natives of the Hawaiian Islands in 1820. For a long time Hawaiian quilt designs were considered tapu (taboo) and restricted from view by anyone outside a family or destroyed completely. We're happy to say that Hawaiian Snowflake quilts and designs are making a comeback and many talanted artists are busy producing beautiful snowflake patterns and teaching others the fascinating art of Hawaiian quilting.
Traditionally, your first snowflake pattern should be a Breadfruit design so you will have a fruitful life and never lack wisdom or knowledge.
Interesting Resources for Hawaiian History and Culture
Island state flora and fauna.
The islands are teeming with tropical vegetation and exotic species of birds, animals and aquatic sea life found in the waters surrounding the islands.
Hawaii has no native land animals. The few animals there now, the feral pig, mongoose and rat, were introduced to the islands by humans. Hawaii does have lots of birds, fish, insects and arachnids (spiders), five species of amphibians and 28 species of reptiles and 750 species of land and tree snails, and one tiny native snake that most people think is a worm.
Native Birds:
Imported Birds:
