Object Status:
Unlocated
Accession Date:
August 19, 1789
Primary Source Reference:
Pennsylvania Packet (Philadelphia), 19 Aug 1789
Notes:
The Museum received another set of feather cloaks and headdresses as well as a third cloak. See the entry "An Otahitian dress, consisting of a long cloak and a cap" where a cloak and helmet are illustrated.
The ʻAhu ʻula (feather cloak in the Hawaiian language), and the mahiole (feather helmet) were symbols of the highest rank of the chiefly aliʻi class of ancient Hawaii. The feathered cloaks and capes provided physical protection, and were believed to provide spiritual protection for their wearers.
John Galt (d. 1817) was a Scottish captain and owner of a ship trading to the West Indies.
