From the gold coins of the Roman Empire to the jade treasures of ancient China, every culture has its emblem of wealth and status. But in the lush landscapes of ancient Hawaii , an unlikely item surpassed the allure of glittering metals: the radiant red feathers of certain native birds.
Birds of a Feather: The Source of Hawaiian Treasure
In the verdant rainforests of Hawaii, two birds primarily became the coveted sources of these red feathers: the ‘i’iwi (scarlet honeycreeper) and the ‘apapane. These birds, with their vivid red plumage, played a significant role in the religious and ceremonial life of ancient Hawaiians.
The red feathers, symbolic of the gods and high-ranking chiefs, were intricately crafted into cloaks, helmets, and other regalia. These items, known as “ʻahu ʻula” (feathered capes) and “mahiole” (feathered helmets), weren’t just visually striking — they represented power, divinity, and the hierarchy of Hawaiian society. A single ‘ahu ‘ula could require feathers from thousands of birds, illustrating the sheer magnitude of this cultural craft.
Given their spiritual significance and the labor-intensive process to obtain the feathers, these items naturally became incredibly valuable, and were considered more precious than gold. In a society where personal rank and lineage were held in high esteem, owning and wearing a feathered garment was the epitome of prestige. It wasn’t uncommon for battles to be fought over these feathered treasures, and for rulers to gift them as tokens…
