54 



BRIG HAM ON HAWAIIAN FEATHER WORK. 



attached at intervals to the front edges to wrap the cloak closer to the b<xly, bnt nsnally, 

 as the wearer reqnired free exercise of his arms, the attachment aronnd the neck was 

 the only one. In modern times silk ribbons have been substituted for the original cord 

 in many cases. A feather cloak was very warm, but as it was worn without under- 

 clothing of any sort, — in battle ancient Hawaiians generally omitted even the nialo or 

 waistcloth, — it was possible to avoid overheating. The weight of the large cloaks was 

 considerable owing to the firm netting of the substru(?ture. 



The impression is prevalent in foreign countries that a register was kept by the 

 chiefs, and later by the Government, of all royal feather robes. This was not the case. 



FIG. 48. THK BACK OF THE CAPE OF KIWALAO. 



Not only did the Hawaiians have no written language until in 1820 the American 

 missionaries introduced letters and adapted them to the sounds of the spoken language, 

 but there were no known traditions referring to any particular ahuula in other than 

 the most general terms. 



The list that follows this brief description is the only one that has ever been 

 compiled, and although efforts have been unsparing to make it as complete as possible, 

 other ahuula are known to exist here whose owners are not willing to have them seen, 

 still less examined or figured. In pleasant contrast is the kind assistance rendered b}- 



