ʻAhu ʻula

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/ahu-ula

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the garment classification?Royal feather cape or cloak
2. What is the associated regalia?Mahiole (feather helmet)
3. Why were ʻahu ʻula special?They showed that the wearer was a high chief with great power and a special connection to the gods. Only the aliʻi could wear them.
4. How are ʻahu ʻula made?Artisans first weave a strong netting from olona fiber. Then they carefully tie or net thousands of feathers—especially bright red ones from birds like the ʻiʻiwi—onto the net.

ʻAhu ʻula: A sacred feather cloak worn by Hawaiian royalty, symbolizing supreme status and divine connection.
Aliʻi: The hereditary ruling chiefs and nobility of ancient Hawaiian society, possessing significant political and spiritual authority.
Mahiole: A distinctive, often elaborate, feathered helmet worn by Hawaiian chiefs, frequently as part of ceremonial regalia.
Mana: A fundamental concept in Polynesian cultures representing spiritual power, authority, prestige, and efficacy.