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the History of Capiz Shells...
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The history of the Capiz shells can really be said to reach back to the year Magellan discovered the Capiz Island in 1521. Sailing under the patronage of King Philip of Spain, Magellan and his men were enchanted by the exotic tropical lushness of this Island, which is one of many in that region of the South Seas. Combined with 7,166 of others like itself, the islands project a total coastline larger than that of the United States, with crystal clear waters abounding with marine life and unique shells. It follows that the Capiz shell was first found on the Island named after it.
It was inevitable that before long the Spanish would introduce Christianity to the Philippine islands area. Consequently a massive program of church building followed. Having to use local materials, the architects of the period became fascinated with the possibilities of using the translucent round shells that sometimes were washed ashore after a heavy storm.
Utilizing the unique way that capiz shells diffused the strong tropical sunlight, craftsmen cut and fashioned them into glorious church windows--many of which still survive to this day.
Using colored dyes, it was possible to get the same effect as stained glass from Europe. Rich merchants quickly exploited the idea to adorn their own homes with this "magnificent new glass". Over the centuries, the skills used by these early Spanish craftsmen have been handed down from generation to generation until the present day.
Over the last decade our entire ALOHASHELLS family has created Capiz designs inspired by our island home, MAUI. Our suncatchers purposely reflect the contemporary scenes of our exquisite Islands of Hawaii, capturing lasting memories loved by visitors and locals alike.
From vivid tropical flowers to graceful Wyland® dolphins, you can now have the best of the old and the new...from TWO South Sea Tropical Paradises...all backed by 300 years of craftsmanship that derives from the Island of Capiz...as always, by native artisans...
 click to Return to the Alohashells story page
click to get the Alohashells story & Capiz history (download a printable pdf file)
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