Maunakea, Lei Humupapa by Robin Escuadro
Maunakea literally translates to “white mountain” the name given by ancient Hawaiians to this sacred mountain on Hawaii island which is frequently covered in snow. This feather lei or lei hulu is named Maunakea. It uses the golden peacock and guinea hen feathers to depict the snow falling on the mountain top. This particular lei hulu measures 25” x 1 3/4” and consists of 438 feathers -219 golden peacock and 219 guinea hen. Each feather is meticulously selected and measured, trimmed, crimped, carefully placed then hand sewn with 5 to 6 stitches on each shaft to secure it to the felt backing. This traditional hand sewn method is called humupapa.
Learn more about members of of Hui ʻAla Hīnano and Waianuhea o ka Pua Hala and Kumu Kāʻeo Izon here.
