The mahiole, a Hawaiian helmet worn by ancient chiefs, was a feathery headpiece worn during ceremonies, in temples or during war. Today, museums display the mahiole, which remains as revered as it was in ancient Hawaii.
Features
This ancient Hawaiian headgear was crest-shaped and made out of vine roots, tailored especially for the chief. Small, red feathers from honeycreepers were attached to the helmet, and the black and few yellow feathers came from honeyeaters. Some other ancient versions of the helmet used human hair instead of bird feathers.
Caste System
During ancient times in the Hawaiian Islands, a caste system was in effect. The chief led the entire tribe; he was the only person allowed to wear the helmet, as it signified his status within the tribe. Only kings or great warriors could wear feather-covered helmets. Those who didn't have a high social ranking wore helmets without feather decorations.
Captain Cook
On Captain Cook's third voyage to the Hawaiian Islands in the late 1700s, he was greeted by thousands of people in their canoes and then later presented a mahiole. The British Museum displays a total of 16 helmets associated with Captain Cook's travels to Hawaii.
Tags: Captain Cook, Hawaiian Islands