Deb Brandon: Living in Radiant Color

Polynesian Featherwork

Plolynesian featherwork cloak

We treasure gold and diamonds, and to a lesser degree silver, rubies, and emeralds. But what if precious metals and gemstones didn’t exist? Would we have looked to other natural resources to treasure? Or to something completely different such as handmade items or skill? Arts and artists? Books and writers? Among Plolynesians, this issue was … Read more

Polynesian Featherwork

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CA%BBAhu_%CA%BBula Feather boas, feathers decorating Mardi Gras masks, peacock feathers in vases, ostrich feathers embellishing hats, but an entire cloak made of feathers? That was new to me. I had to investigate further. Since Polynesia lacked precious metals or gemstones, the Polynesians came to treasure natural materials such as feathers. Featherwork garments were worn (usually … Read more