ʻŌlapa Racerback Tank
Regular price $36.95 Sale price $28.95This comfortable, women’s lightweight racerback tank is a great addition to any lounge or active wear collection. It is made from a soft 65% polyester/35% viscose blend, and sports a flowy bottom.
Wear this relaxing by the beach, playing beach volleyball, or moving to your favorite exercise routine.
- Women’s tank top.
- A-line body.
- Side seamed with relaxed, merrowed bottom hem.
- Shirring at racerback seam.
- Premium artwork by Native Hawaiian designers.
- Custom, trademark graphic.
NATIVE HAWAIIAN DESIGN
The word ʻōlapa is a reference to a Hawaiian hula dancer. Hula is a dance artform that is completely unique to Hawaiʻi. It consisted of an ʻōlapa (hula dancer) visually conveying the meaning or story of a particular oli (chant) or mele (song). ʻŌlapa were critical to the preservation and perpetuation of various traditional stories and lessons.
The ʻōlapa would be complemented by a hoʻopaʻa (memorizer), who would be responsible for chanting or singing and playing a percussion instrument like the ipu heke (gourd drum) to maintain a steady beat for the dancers. Oftentimes the hoʻopaʻa would also be the kumu hula (hula instructor), who would teach the ʻōlapa various hula steps, chants and songs.
While hula dancers are immeasurably graceful in performing their craft, they are incredibly disciplined athletes with the strength and poise comparable to ballet dancers. Wear this design if you support this elegant kanaka maoli cultural artform.