Kaolohaka - Kāhili Pair
The chiefly culture of Hawai'i uses many symbols to identify one's rank and status in the community. Some of these symbols include 'ahu'ula, feathered garments; mahiole, twined helmets; lei niho palaoa, carved ivory necklaces; lei hulu, feathered lei; and kāhili, feathered standards. In Hawai'i, kāhili were used customarily to signify the presence of a chief. Traditionally, they are used to mark significant Hawaiian events, places, and to honor special people. Today, when kāhili are presented to individuals, it symbolically likens the recipients to chiefs, ones who deserve great respect.
Kaolohaka is the name given to this pair of kāhili. They were used at the funerals of both Queen Lili'uokalani on November 18, 1917, and Prince Jonah Kūhiō on January 15, 1922. Queen Lili'uokalani bequeathed these kāhili, along with many of her personal possessions, to Bishop Museum.
The feathers used in the construction of these kāhili are from the 'i'iwi and the 'ō'ō, which provide the red and yellow feathers respectively. The feather bundles were tied to individual branches that were then tied to the wooden pole. The handles are elaborately adorned with alternating bands of turtle shell and ivory.