Ohe Kapala – Create & Communicate! Series
Date: November 3, 2023
Presenters: Nalu Andrade and Miki Cook
Ohe Kapala (n.) Piece of bamboo carved for printing tapa; bamboo stamp. Lit., printing bamboo (Hawaiian Dictionary by Mary Kawena Pukui & Samuel H. Elbert)
Carving – There are many different techniques that can be used to carve ohe kapala. Using small chisels and knives, Nalu is able to create clean, intricate patterns for his ohe kapala using the chip carving rechnique. Nalu’s designs are often inspired by nature and his research at the Bishop Museum.
Uses – Ohe Kapala is traditionally used for stamping kapa or clothing. In modern times, the use of ohe kapala has branched out to more than just stamping clothing. It can be used for stationary, jewelry, and more. Ohe Kapala is still used today for stamping kapa for many hula halau.
