The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1892-07-06
A HAWAIIAN WARRIORS HELMET.

While looking at these kahilis a
most unique and brilliant feather
helmet will be noticed, resting on a
short staff, the only one in the mu-
scum. 1t was once the property of
King Kaumualii, of Kauai, and prob
ably was the last worn by a Ha
waiian king. Several of these feather
helmets were given to Cook, Van
couver, Byron and other early
voyagers, and one or two are
still to be found in the museums
of Berlin and London, but, being
very perishable, they will soon dis
appear, never to be reproduced. 1t
has been suggested that if a statue
of native chief were prepared and
| clothed in one of the ancient feather
robes now in the Museum, standing
with spear in his right hand, and
this feather helmet on his head, it
would convey realistic idea of how
the warriors of the olden time ap-
peared when clad for war or state
occasions. Such a statue could,
doubtless, be made by Mr.. Hutchin-
son, the artist, and stained the ma
tural complexion of the race. He
might take, perhaps, as model the
chief Kaiana, who is pictured on
page 126 of Alexander's History. 1t
1t would show to visitors the use of
the helmet, how it was worn, and
serve to illustrate the imposing ap-
pearance of the ancient Hawaiian
chiefs, besides adding much to the
interest and value of the Museum as
a true delineator of the grandeur
and martial display of the great pre-
historic warriors of Hawaii
The show case that has this helmet
and feather cloaks, encloses also a
rare and valuable collection of old
Hawaiian relics and curiosities-al-
most priceless in value, which can
probably never be replaced. On this
account great care is taken to pre-
serve them In their original condi-
ton, as nearly as possible
Here may be also seen, sketched on
a strip of paper some ten yards in
length, panoramic view of the
funeral procession of Kamehameha
I'LL, which took place in 1854. 1t
seems to be faithful representation
of one of the most magnificent
funeral displays ever seen in Homo
lulu, and was executed by Paul EN-
inert.
ANCIENT HAWAIIAN IMPLEMENTS.
Leaving the Kahili room, and eros
sing the hall, visitors enter the i'm
plement room, where will be found a
great variety of implements formerly.
and m some cases, still made and
used by Hawaiians, many of which
exhibit their rare skill and ingenuity
in handicraft. Here may be also
seen scores of small and large bowls
and dishes made of the koa, kou
and other woods. used as food con.
tanners; also calabashes of ancient
and modern make in endless variety
stone lamps, stone looking glasses,
large collection of personal orna-
ments some Of them very old, stone
ADDE'S and other tools used in max.
ing canoes, necklaces, bracelets and
ankle ornaments, vegetable products,
woods, spears and war clubs, stones
used in games, ancient idols, ETC.,
etc. One case is filled entirely with
the implements used in manufacture
ing and coloring kappa cloths. This is
a very complete collection and illus
trates every part of this really
skillful handicraft. Besides the Ha-
waiian exhibits, there are in this
room articles from New Zealand,
FIJI, Samoa, and other parts of Poly
nesia. 1t is, however, intended even
tually to keep these in separate
room.
TIE ART GALLERY.
Returning to the hall, visitors as
cend the beautiful staircase, the
sides of which are covered with i'm
plements of war, such as spears, war
clubs, ETC., and enter the art gallery
where are preserved portraits and
relics of royalty and other cele-
brities of the ancient times. Here