'Ahu 'ula (feather cape)

Datelate 18th-early 19th Century

GeographyHawaiʻi

MediumFeathers ('i'iwi and ʻōʻō), olona bark, feathers tied onto a netting made of ‘olona bark.

DimensionsOverall: 22 1/2 × 30 1/2 in. (57.2 × 77.5 cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Andrew I. McKee, 1964 (3315.1)

Object number3315.1

DescriptionYellow feather cape with red design and accents. Red feathers are from the i’iwi bird and the yellow feathers are from the ʻōʻō bird. The feathers are tied to an ‘olona bark netting. Two red triangles adorn wither side of the front opening and the neckline is trimmed in red. Cord attached at the neck for tying. Lei of red iʻiwi feathers woven around neck of cape; red iʻiwi feather also form design of two wing-like (or spear-head) motifs on either side of front. Cord for securing. (Motifs triangular in shape).

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