Chapter 1
Ancient origins and sacred roots
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Chapter 2
Island signatures and natural emblems
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Chapter 3
The art of the weave
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Chapter 4
Modern revival and the spirit of Aloha
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YOUR GOAL
Master of The history of lei making
Ch 3 · The art of the weave
torito Traditional Lei Art
Ancient roots run deep! Ancient roots run deep! From Polynesia, leis were born of shell, feather, seed, and bone!
Fun Fact
The giant needle: A traditional lei needle, called a mānai, can be over a foot long and was historically carved from coconut frond midribs or bamboo.
Glossary
weave (noun)
A pattern or method of interlacing strands of flexible material to form a cohesive structure. In Hawaii, makers traditionally employ this technique to construct intricate haku and wili floral garlands.
A pattern or method of interlacing strands of flexible material to form a cohesive structure. In Hawaii, makers traditionally employ this technique to construct intricate haku and wili floral garlands.
Quiz
Which lei-making technique involves sewing flowers end-to-end or side-to-side using a long needle and thread?
Quiz
What kind of base or backing material is traditionally used when creating a braided haku lei?
Quiz
Why are ti leaves often softened over a flame or frozen before being used in lei-making techniques?
Quiz
In the wili technique of lei making, how are the flowers and leaves secured to the backing?
Quiz
How long is a typical steel lei needle (mānai) used by modern lei makers to string flowers?
Quiz
What makes the hili technique distinct from other traditional Hawaiian lei-making methods?
Quiz
Which method is commonly used to create the beautiful, thick, and durable crown-like leis worn around the head?