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HUALALAI, Hawaii » The majesty of King Kamehameha I and the dedication and skill of traditional featherwork artists can be found in three intricate pieces unveiled Wednesday on the holiday that pays tribute to the great Hawaiian king.
The cape, sash and hand-woven helmet were created by Hawaiian featherwork artist Rick San Nicolas based on the painting "Aha Ula o Kamehameha Kunuiakea," by Brook Kapukuniahi Parker, an artist and Hawaiian historian.
The works were commissioned by Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods, a sustainable-forestry company based on Hawaii island, the birthplace of Kamehameha, in honor of Kamehameha Day, celebrated annually on June 11.
The collection is on display at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in a custom koa wood case by craftsman Alan Wilkinson. Also on display is a spear crafted of uhiuhi by traditional Hawaiian weapon maker Manny Mattos.
The cape is 5 feet long and comprises nearly 250,000 individual golden breast feathers from Chinese golden pheasants. The sash, which is nearly 12 feet long and 6 inches wide, is feathered on both sides with the reddish-orange feathers of the Lady Amherst pheasant as well as golden pheasant feathers.
The hand-woven helmet is made entirely of golden pheasant feathers.
The feathers were sourced from birds that were hunted for food, according to a news release.
The three-piece collection represents more than 4,500 hours of work by San Nicolas, a master weaver, and a small team of assistants.