Polynesia, Hawaiian Islands, Plantation Era, ca. second half of the 19th century CE. A gorgeous hat band made by sewing delicate feathers onto a textile strip. The feathers used here display a variety of colors as light hits their surfaces. From one angle they exhibit hues of vermilion and citrine, and from another angle they display shades of amethyst and lavender. Thin bands of white and teal feathers are interspersed throughout the composition and create a striped pattern. The lush, close-set feathers form a soft, fabric-like texture that is pleasing to the touch. Size: 26" L x 1.5" W (66 cm x 3.8 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; ex-private Hawaii, USA collection
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#136611
Condition
Very slight fraying to textile backing. Feathers are in gorgeous condition with almost all present. Be careful when handling as feathers are fragile due to age.