Royal Hawaiian Featherwork: Na Hulu Ali‘i at LACMA

For centuries on the Hawaiian Islands, vividly colored feathers gathered from native birds were valuable cultural resources, ornamenting spectacular garments painstakingly constructed by hand. Long cloaks and short capes (‘ahu ‘ula), helmets (mahiole), and leis (lei hulu) bore rainbows of feathers to signify the divinity and power of chiefs (ali‘i), who wore them for spiritual protection and to proclaim their identity and status. These unique valuables also found use as objects of diplomacy, helping to secure political alliances and agreements. Today, fewer than 300 examples of historic featherwork exist to shape our knowledge of the art form known as nā hulu ali‘i (royal feathers).

 

Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 11 am–5 pm
Friday: 11 am–8 pm
Saturday, Sunday: 10 am–7 pm

Closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Start Date

May 22, 2016

End Date

August 7, 2016

Hours

11:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Address

5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Event Type

Public

More Information

LACMA

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