Hawaiian feather helmet
A History of the World in 100 Objects
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The Origin of the Feather Helmet
When Cook arrived in Polynesia, he encountered societies that struck Europeans as possessing their own sophistication. In many ways, Hawaii seemed not unlike 18th century Europe. A large population was ruled by an elite of chiefly families and priests. The maker of the feathered helmet would have been a professional craftsman. Chief's put on feather helmets and capes to make contact with the gods. Made from the feathers of birds, they gave the person who wore them supernatural protection and sacred power.
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