Kapa Kuiki

human history

Kapa Kuiki, or Kihei Pili. Applique quilt. This kapa kuiki is large in size and rectangular in shape. It consists of an off-white background with cutwork salmon pink applique design overlaid. The design is based on a floral motif, possibly a breadfruit or lehua design. The backing colour is the same pink colour with a layer of batting between the front design and the base layer creating texture and volume. The design is hand-quilted with additional stitching across the surface of the quilt in a flowing, ribbed effect following the outlines of the pink applique design. There are areas of fraying fabric especially around the edges due to age. Some darker staining occurs around the perimeter of the kapa kuiki.

Accession number: 1996.154.1 Last Update: 4 Feb 2026
Other Name

kapa kuiki (Hawaiian)

tivaevae (former)

Kihei Pili|Applique quilt (English)

Accession Number

1996.154.1

Accession Date

06 Nov 1996

Other Id

55178 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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