Pāpale Kopa’a reminds us of the early instances of displacement and shame felt as young kanaka. When caught adding something as simple as sugar into our food, we quickly learn to navigate the nuances of being raised in between two contrasting cultures.

Materials include woven lau niu (coconut frond), cotton and leather cording, Cook Island pine, and 18k gold fired porcelain pieces with the words “Ho’owali au i ke kopa’a a me ka poi” (I put sugar in my poi). Two stitched cotton hands meet at the back of the hat in a protective position. Dimensions: 15” x 13” x 8”