Featherwork is the working offeathers into a work of art orcultural artifact. Practiced in many parts of the world, this was especially elaborate among the peoples ofOceania and theAmericas, such as theIncas andAztecs.
Though some bird populations may have been put under pressure byplume hunting even before Western contact, the late 19th century trade in feathers, especially for ladies hats in Western countries drove many species to the brink of extinction, and some did not survive at all.
Feathered cloaks and headdresses include theʻahuʻula capes andmahiole helmets were worn byHawaiian royalty;[1] many are now on display at theBishop Museum onHonolulu, including the largest survival,Nāhiʻenaʻena's Pāʻū, a princess's cloak, andLiloa's Kāʻei, a sash.Kāhili are a type of feathered standard, another symbol of royalty. The introduction of foreign species, overhunting, and environment changes drove birds with desirable feathers, such as the‘ō‘ō andmamo, to extinction, although theʻiʻiwi managed to survive despite its popularity.
TheMaori of New Zealand used featherwork to construct cloaks for clothing and to decorate kete (bags) and weapons.
.jpg)
Mexican feather work was a Pre-Columbian art form which was continued after theConquest of the Aztec Empire, originally organized by the Spanish missionaries into a luxury export trade, sending objects back to Europe. Immediately after the conquest existing objects such asMontezuma's headdress, now inVienna, were admired in the courts of Europe.[2]
TheTupinambá cape was a type made in the Amazon forests, of which the best preserved of the dozen or so survivals is now inBrussels, Belgium.[3] The featheredwar bonnet of North AmericanPlains Indians has long been iconic. TheCherokee people of Southeastern Northern America used swan or turkey feathers to make capes.
.jpg)
Although featherwork is primarily used for clothing, headdresses, ceremonialshields, andtapestries, thePomo peoples of California are famous for the minute featherwork of their grass baskets, including thefully feathered basket style,[4] many of which are on display at theNational Museum of the American Indian in Washington.
The medieval European style calledfeather tights was more usually made with cloth or leather flaps simulating feathers in the costumes of angels (and devils) inliturgical dramas, pageants and other displays. The feather elements were sewn onto body suits.
