Two birds, one with all green feathers and the other with a yellow head and green body, perch on a tree branch.

Handcrafted of plant fiber and rare feathers from endemic birds of the islands, the feather work provided spiritual protection to Hawaiian chiefs (ali'i), proclaiming their identity and status. For centuries, Hawaiian bird catchers gathered select feathers from vibrantly colored honeycreepers and honeyeaters that lived in the native forests, to be made into spectacular garments and adornments that represented the power of Hawaiian royalty. Symbols of the status of Hawaii's monarchs at home and abroad, these vibrantly colored treasures of the Hawaiian people endure today as masterpieces of the unparalleled artistry, technical skill, cultural pride.