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Leilehua Yuen |
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Leilehua specializes in using the techniques and designs of pre-European Contact Hawai`i, using native materials and tools whenever possible. Modern feathers are carefully chosen to be as close as possible to the feathers which would have been used in a specific context. From harvesting the hau or other fibers to make the thread for tying feathers, to hand carving the wood and bone handles, Leilehua has studied all aspects of the art. In her lectures and workshops on featherwork, she includes a discussion of the ancient forestry and avian species management techniques of the ancient Hawaiians. |
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Leilehua studied the royal regalia of Hawai`i under the direction of now-retired park rangers Carla Freitas, Katheryne Domingo, and the late Rose Fujimori. Links to information on kahili: The artistry of Leilehua's kahili
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Leilehua's featherwork appeared in the September / October 2002 issue of
Hawaii Magazine, alongside a story titled, "Hawaiian
Artistry: Feathers to Fancy." Her kahili are in the collections of
Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, the Beamer family, and
other private individuals.