Reni A`ia`i Bello

It's addicting! Just can't get enough of it. I was unable to pound for the last 6 weeks and I was going nuts. I've never considered myself a patient person, passionate- yes! but patient????? Back in 2000 maybe 2001 I pounded and completed my first piece of kapa in Kahakuloa valley under the watchful eye of Aunty Val (Aiwohi) Dukelow. It was 2'x4', white as snow and had to lifted and moved with wooden dowels becasue it was so fragile. I had sat pounding in the sun for a day and a half by the time it was joined to the other half to make a 4'x4' piece for the iwi.

I knew one day I would make more kapa and it continues to be my desire to make kapa for ceremonial and cultural use. It wasn't until last year that I could make time and took a course from at Leeward Community College night school. I was a high school teacher who taught Hawaiian Language and hula among other things but I needed more time to dedicate to my spiritual work as well as making kapa so I left public education to continue this journey in the art of Kapa making. When I think of kapa in any context I cannot do so without acknowledging Dalani Tahany who I consider to be my teacher and mentor. Aside from being a manaful artist, she is one of the most empowering teachers I have had. Mahalo piha e Dalani! She continues to encourage and inspire me. I was so honored to be included in this project that I'm kind of nervous but I do know I can pound. Making dyes is another endeavor all in itself and then of course the artistic decorating and dying is unreal. For me it is very spiritual . I chant and pray when I do these things and the kupuna come and I am able to be with them. I also have the pleasure of working as an artesan in Waimea Valley here on O'ahu where the kuku beat echos through the valley. White soft kapa is what I aim for. I have made a 12 ft. malo. That took some effort and I was able to contribute to the alia for Makahiki ceremony. I am currently working on the pā'ū for Hālau o Kekuhi and a covering for the ali'i's 'awa bowl at Pu'ukoholā.