HAWAIIAN FEATHER CLOAK 



The central figure in this hall is a Tahitian priest represented as taking 



part in the fire-walking ceremony, in which the participants 



,,. „ walk over heated boulders of lava. On either side are 



Fire-walker 



groups engaged in grating cocoanut, making kava, weaving 

 mats for houses. 



In the box case behind the Tahitian fire-walker there is exhibited a 

 striking series of Melanesian masks, a few fashioned from the facial portion 

 of human skulls, the majority carved of wood. These masks are worn by 

 dancers during festivals in honor of the dead. Near the window there is 

 a case of sacred Melanesian carvings topped by a totem pole that bears a 

 superficial resemblance to the totem poles of the North Pacific coast of 

 America. 



The cases in the center contain kava bowls, head rests, shell and ebony 

 armlets and other ornaments, betel spatulas, ceremonial paddles, hats, 

 mats and baskets. These people follow the custom of tattooing themselves. 

 Their occupations as here detailed are peaceful rather than warlike. The 

 swinging picture-frames on the left of the entrance midway down the 

 room give some idea of the dress, customs, and pastimes of the South Sea 

 Islanders. 



A noteworthy object is the cloak from the Hawaiian Islands, made 



of red and yellow feathers. Such cloaks were w r orn by 



chiefs — and as each bird furnished but few feathers and, 



considering the value put upon them and the time required for making a 



cloak, the one shown represents a very high value. 



The entrance to the Maori Tower is flanked by two wall-cases with 



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