Pāʻū Rider Print

Original Painting by Jaclynn Sabado-Eitel. 

Artwork comes matted in selected size Print comes Matted with backboard and in a plastic sleeve.

• Cultural preservation: Pāʻū riders keep a unique Hawaiian equestrian tradition alive, which originated in the 19th century when royal women wore long skirts (pāʻʻū) to protect their ball gowns while riding sidesaddle.
• Island representation: Each rider or unit represents a specific Hawaiian island, using colors and flowers associated with that island to display unity and diversity.
• Historical tribute: The practice is a tribute to the history of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys), who learned ranching and horsemanship from Mexican-Spanish vaqueros.

Symbol of female empowerment and grace: Modern pāʻʻū riders, who are skilled equestrians, demonstrate a blend of grace, personality, and pride.Community and identity: The tradition fosters a sense of community and local history, and modern riders perpetuate the custom with a deep respect for Hawaiian culture and the land.Visual spectacle: The elaborate, flowing skirts, often made with 12 or more yards of fabric and adorned with leis and flowers, create a beautiful and memorable spectacle in events like the Kamehameha Day Celebration Floral Parade.