Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An 'ahu 'ula is a feathered cloak worn by Hawaiian chiefs as a symbol of their status and power. It was made from thousands of bird feathers intricately woven into a fabric base.
Related terms
Kapa Cloth: This term refers to traditional Hawaiian fabric made from pounded bark fibers. It was often used as clothing or for ceremonial purposes.
Ali'i: In Hawaiian culture, this term refers to nobility or high-ranking chiefs who held political power.
Featherwork Artistry: This skill involves creating intricate designs and patterns using feathers, which was highly valued in many indigenous cultures.