Laka

Rhythm, Dance, and Sacred Spirit in Hawaiian Mythology

Embroidery of a Hula dancer with long black hair, wearing a flower crown, a pink bow, a grass skirt, and jewelry, holding two red and yellow tiki torches.

Laka is considered the goddess of hula in Hawaiian mythology. She is also the goddess of the forest, who protects all plants. A hula dancer prays to Laka before beginning the dance. It is believed that in doing so, the dancer will be inspired by Laka and perform more beautifully.

Collection: The Musician Goddesses Series


Technique: Embroidered on alpaca fabric using back stitch, fishbone stitch, French knot, Chinese embroidery (silk shading) and bullion stitch techniques. For the skirt section, I used raffia cords to evoke the texture and appearance of reed.


Inspiration: Hula dancers

A decorative arrangement with a yellow, speckled, round base and a large, red feathered plant on top, placed on a wooden surface against a plain background.

Uli uli (ʻulīʻulī)

Uli uli is a maraca-like instrument made from a gourd or coconut shell and decorated to resemble a flower. Containing seeds inside, it is shaken by hula dancers during performances. The uli uli in the collection was handmade by me.