Polynesia, Hawaiian Islands, Plantation Era, ca. second half of the 19th century CE. One of my favorite items, a gorgeous feather hat band, made by sewing feathers onto a textile strip. The feathers used here are a deep blue with hints of purple, teal, and even green depending on the light and from what direction you look at them. Six thin bands of white feathers create vertical stripes at regular intervals. The feathers are lush and close-set, forming a soft, fabric-like texture that you will want to touch. Size: 26" W x 3" H (66 cm x 7.6 cm) Size: 1.55" W x 26" H (3.9 cm x 66 cm)
James Cook described native Hawaiian feather work in his journal in 1778: "Amongst the articles which they brought to barter this day we could not help taking notice of a particular sort of cloak and cap, which, even in countries where dress is more particularly attended to, might be reckoned elegant... The ground of them is a net-work, upon which the most beautiful red and yellow feathers are so closely fixed, that the surface might be compared to the thickest and richest velvet, which they resemble, both as to feel and glossy appearance."
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection
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#136609
Condition
Slight fraying on the sewn back of the band. Small losses to some of the feathers. Modern velcro applied to the ends in order to make it wearable. Otherwise excellent, with feathers in beautiful condition.