I had the honor of designing a collection of merchandise for Sig Zane Designs celebrating a matriarch in their ʻohana- Aunty Edith Kanakaʻole.
The collection was released during the 60th Merrie Monarch Festival and coincided with Aunty Edith’s appearance on the Quarter.
This was the “…by far the best selling softgoods collection” in the company’s near 40 year history.
She is recognized by many as the preeminent practitioner of modern Hawaiian culture and language.
However, I wanted to highlight Aunty Edith the musician.
Her album Hi‘ipoi I Ka ‘Āina Aloha- Cherish the Beloved Land (1978) is an album of original compositions that reflect on our relationship with the environment.
E Hō Mai- This chant composed by Aunty Edith seemed fitting for the Right sleeve.
The lyrics convey her values as a kumu + leader... Knowledge & Wisdom.
Hālau o Kekuhi photo by Uncle Sig
One of the main messages Sig Zane wanted to get across was Aunty Edith’s dedication to perpetuating Hawaiian culture for future generations.
The symbol for their halau is the liko- or bud, symbolizing youth/ the future.
I chose to depict a volcano on the back not only to highlight the `Aiha`a style that Hālau o Kekuhi is known for- but to further drive home the synergy of past and future.
New lava creates old earth. Innovation steeped in tradition makes for solid foundation.
The (para)phrase was added in the final hour, as I came across this interview with Aunty Edith, describing her relationship with hula.
“..I have a little bit ya know, of one foot in the old way, and one foot in today’s time.”
Lifestyle photos by Keatan Kamakaiwi