Polynesian Society: Artifact 10

Feathered and Woven Helmet

    
     There were three distinct styles of helmets: feathered, woven, and helmets covered in human hair.
     The feathered helmet was worn by Hawaiian chiefs during ceremonies or battle. Red and yellow colors were favored by the nobility as a symbol of their high status. The helmet is made from  split aerial rootlets of the 'ie'ie; it is then covered with olona fiber which the feathers are tied too. The wide crest on the helmet is a style associated with the island of Kauai. Unfortunately, Hawaiian's stopped making feather garments and helmets in the early nineteenth century.
     The woven helmet below would have been worn by warriors or lesser chiefs; depended upon the design of the helmet.

Works Cited:Information: P.H. Buck. "Feathered helmet
     (mahoile)." The British Museum. Trustees of
     the British Museum. Web. 10 Sept. 2014.








Pictures: http://www.ourpacificocean.com/oceania_arts/index.htm
http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/aoa/f/feathered_helmet_mahiole-1.aspx