The ancient Hawaiians used the bark cloth or kapa of the Paper Mulberry plant to make tapa, their primary material for clothing. The scientific name of the Paper Mulberry is Broussonetia papyrifera; its Hawaiian name is Wauke. While other species such as the Artocarpus or Breadfruit tree was also used in making tapa, the quality of Wauke kapa made it the generally preferred source. Wauke grows in the form of a tree or shrub that grows up to 50 feet tall, with heart-shaped and finely serrated lobed leaves with long stalks. It is a species of the Hawaiian wet forests and thrives along streams, in woods, in hollows or uneven grounds, and other moist land where water flows. The Hawaiians created tapa by beating the bark cloth fibers of the Wauke with heavy wooden beaters that had designs carved into them, which would leave a watermark on the cloth. Unlike other Polynesian cultures the Hawaiians used bright colors on their tapa including reds, blues, pinks, greens and yellows in addition to the traditional browns and black, creating geometric designs, varied textures and repeating patterns on the cloth. Washable, warm, flexible, durable and resistant to water, Hawaiian tapa was used to make skirts, capes, loin cloths, sandals, and bed clothes. Source: Asia-Pacific Digital Library, Kapiolani Community College. Our Tapa Hawaiian Fabric prints emulate the repeating patterns and colors of traditional Hawaiian tapa, with a modern look perfect for Aloha Shirts and matching Hawaiian Dresses. Return to browsing our collection of Polyester/Cotton Hawaiian Fabrics. |