The Isles of the Sea

Samoa

This is the Tuiga. A feather headdress only worn by the nobles of the court and a special one made was only worn by the King of the islands to represent the unity of the all the noble families. This was made out of coconut, palm shoots, coral, abalone shells, mother of pearl and the Mai Savisa bird. It was also made of human hair that was taken from conquered rivals. It was a symbol of power and rank. The man or woman would have equal chance of having rank. It was only worn during ceremonies and weddings. It was an extension to the body and framed the face.

Hawaii

Once the islands of Hawaii had be united under a single banner of power by King Kamehameha in the early 1400's, the feathered helmet and robe of feather went hand in hand to distinguish your class of warrior or peasant. The Hawaiians had purposely selected certain traits to distinguish their class among warriors and peasants. The warrior class were also politicians, religious leaders and apart of the Kings court. The yellow feathers of a particular bird was only allowed to be worn by the warrior class. Women would wear necklaces of hair of conquered rivals with a whales tooth to keep the threads of hair together.

Tahiti

Tahiti was a warring nation among its neighboring islands. The people were known for their fast movement of their hips and dancing practices. They flourished in rich amounts of animal life and resources.

New Zealand