Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Ahu 'ula refers to a traditional Hawaiian feather cape worn by high-ranking chiefs. It is made by meticulously attaching thousands of vibrant bird feathers to a woven base.
Related terms
Ali'i: In Hawaiian culture, ali'i refers to the hereditary nobility or ruling class who would wear the prestigious Ahu 'ula as a symbol of their status and power.
Mamo is a specific type of bird whose yellow feathers were highly prized for making Ahu 'ula. The scarcity and beauty of mamo feathers made them particularly valuable.
Kฤhili: Kฤhili are tall staffs adorned with feathers that were often used alongside Ahu 'ula during ceremonial occasions. They served as symbols of royalty and were carried by attendants to honor chiefs.