Pam's Lauhala Weaving

The Hala Tree and the Art of Lauhala
by Veronica S. Schweitzer

Legend says that the hala tree is so abundant as a direct result of Pele's rage, whose canoe, on her first landing ashore, got entangled in the resistant roots and leaves. In her anger she ripped the trees in pieces and threw them across the island, and the hala sprouted, happy and wise, wherever it touched ground. Her anger was fortunate, because no other tree has been as useful to the Hawaiian people. From pollen to blossom to flower to fruit, from leaf to bark to wood to root, all parts had value.

Today, the hala, or pandanus, tree is best known for the ancient and sophisticated craft of lauhala weaving.* (Lau means leaf). While contemporary weavers have adapted their craft to a changing market in the west (purses, baskets, napkin holders, and placemats), in the old days lauhala was used for canoe sails, wall thatch, window-shutters, roof lining, mats, yes, even for intricate garments and loin cloths.

Techniques have hardly changed, a testimony to the exquisite artisan ship of the early Hawaiians. Only tools have adapted to modern times. For example, you might prefer to use a knife for cutting and dethorning, instead of the traditional sea shell.

As far as this technique, the best way to learn is to find a Hawaiian teacher or kumu. There are classes around the island.

*To be correct, the preferred term is plaiting. 'Weaving' applies to the use of the fibrous thin aerial roots of a related tree, the 'ie'ie. Close-fitting coverings around wooden or gourd calabashes show the excellence of Hawaiian workmanship in the use of these pliable thin 'cords'.

The pieces to a barrel bracelet. It has multiple bands of decreasing size to create the thick bracelet with a rolled edge.

Bracelets with different patterns and different embellishments.

Maile embellishment on the left and third in from the left. Diamond weave second from the right. Barrel bracelet on the far right.

Locals slippers made fancy with a diamond embellishment and turtles. I have these available in size 7, 8, and 10. $24 includes priority shipping.

This is the bracelet the leaves and weaving will create.

This is how a piko purse begins. Twenty-four pieces with nine or ten strips to each, some thread, and, eventually, the material for the lining and a strap. It's mostly made with weaving and determination.

The 24 pieces come together into 5 pikos. All those little diamonds are connected by weaving to create the bottom of the purse. Then some weaving to build up the sides for the next step.

The corners are created by weaving around the edges. A little more tricky than that especially to a new student. Then all those strips of lau are woven together all the to the top.

The weaving is almost done. It's time to finish the top.

Some of the strips of lau or leaves are folded over and more weaving to make a smooth top.

The finished purse.

Here is the second purse. The top edge is wavy so I'm calling this the Big Wave Hula Girl purse. For only $150, this purse can be yours!

The Hula Girl comes from the name of the lining fabric.

The third purse in black, gray and natural lauhala. I'm supposed to make 10 piko purses to be ready to move on to the next project. Each one takes me 40 hours of weaving.

The inside of the purse.

Purse #4 finished and the start of #5

The back of purse #5 and the top still has to be done.

#5 is finished except for the lining.

#6 and my favorite, so far. I used all the different patterns I've learned The colors are all natural which makes it even more special. NFS

#7 is an 8 piko bottom, again using natural color lau. A little more narrow than a purse that is 5 pikos long.

This is my first mat. It's a step before learning how to weave papale (hat). It looks pretty good from a distance but I can see all the mistakes. Check out the fancy love knots and the hi'i lu edge. Things look complicated until the secret is revealed. That's the time I realize the most difficult part is counting before adding in new mau'u (strips).

PURSES FOR SALE