They were symbols of the highest ranking.<span>Certain colored feathers were attributed more value than others. Since red was associated with gods and chiefs, red feathers were reserved for religious objects and garments worn by high-ranking members of society. In Hawaii, where the red-feathered </span>i’iwi<span> and </span>apapane<span> birds are small but plentiful, feathered capes made for the elite actually came to be known as </span>‘ahu ‘ula<span>, meaning “red garment.” The name did not change even after Hawaiian artists began including yellow feathers alongside the red. Rarer than red feathers in Hawaii, the golden feathers of the </span>‘o’o<span> and </span>mamo<span>were highly prized.</span>
The painting above is done entirely with watercolors. A
