Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 7, 1 July 1987 — Perpetuates Skill Through Teaching, Sharing [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Perpetuates Skill Through Teaching, Sharing

Native Hawanan QuilterStands as aTrue Gem

By Kenny Haina, Editor Ka Wai Ola O OHA A lesson taught to her by her father when she was a little girl left a lasting impression whieh developed into a craft that made Mary Kalaniokahekili Kaapuni Phillips widely known as a master quilter throughout the island of Hawaii. Grandma Phillips, as she has become more affectionately known, was one of the many kupuna who participated in the Hawaii Island Kupuna year-end evaluation luneheon May 15 at Kuhio Hall in Kamuela. One of her most beautiful works called "Kahili and Peahi O Ka'iulani" hung irt a corner of the spacious Hawaiian Homes Commission meeting facility. She

made it about 20 years ago. Grandma Phillips, who lost her sight about five years ago to diabetes, has left a legacy of Hawaii to countless people of many ethnic backgrounds. It was a legacy left to her by her father, John Kaapuni, who worked as a shepherd tending his flock on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Kaapuni taught his little daughter how to observe nature and adapt what she saw to a pieee of folded paper, thus creating her own designs for the many quilts and cushions her hands have sewn down through the years. For many years she held quilting classes at Konawaena, Kealakehe, Laupahoehoe and in Waimea so that this Hawaiian skill will be perpetuated. Her l students have been legions and many today are carrying on this tradition. Grandma Phillips, who observed her 84t h birthday on June 18, was the daughter of Kaapuni and Ululani Kealiiliki, both of Waimea. She is a true home-grown product— having been born, raised and educated in \ Waimea her entire lifetime. Like herself, her father was a master quilter. She remembers that most of her quilts were patterned after old songs. She has no special advice for today's quilters other than being careful about the pattern selections and to be sure to cut the patterns to their exact dimensions. Be original, she advises. This kupuna and her late husband, Anthony Vincent Phillips, have three sons and three daughters. They are i Dorothy Nishie, Gracie Shima and Barbara Robertson, principal of the lower campus at Hawaii Preparatory Academy. The sons are Anthony Vincent Phillips Jr. of Phoenix, Ariz., and Milton and John Phillips. There are 17 grand- § children and 15 great grandchildren. The elder Phillips, who assisted the Department of I Education as community interviewer for kupuna plaeeI ment, died iast Apr. 15 at age 75. Kupuna Phillips, an active member of theChurch of I Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons), still likes to do her own cooking, washing and cleaning around the house. She gets around with the aid of her fellow " sisters and brothers from her church and ohana. She speaks fluidly and fluently and has an amazing memory. Kupuna Phillips is a genuine storehouse of anything to know and do about quilting. She is a gem of the highest human quality, sharing her knowledge and craftsmanship cultivated from so many years of learning and doing.

Grandma Mary Phillips, center, is supported by Audrey Veloria, left, while Beatrice Bertleman reads a brief account of the legacy this master quilter has left to the people of Hawaii of many ethnic backgrounds during Hawaii kupuna sharing hour.

■■■ ■■■■■■■Hll This is Kahili and Peahi O Ka'iulani quilt made about 20 years ago by Grandma Mary Phillips.