Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 12, 1 Kekemapa 2016 — Page 7 Advertisements Column 2 [ADVERTISEMENT]

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IN 1779, THE CHIEF 0F HAWAI'I ISLAND, ali'i Kalani'ōpu'u, greeted captain James Cookafter hisship made port in Kealakekua Bay. As a demonstration of goodwill, Kalani'ōpu'u gifted his 'ahu'ula (feathered eloak) and mahiole (feathered helmet) to Captain Cook. These and other treasures from around the Pacific were taken back to England on Cook's ships. In a partnership between OHA, the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Bishop Museum, the storied 'ahu'ula and mahiole were returned to the Hawaiian people in March 2016, after 237 years away. This return is particularly significant, as museums seldom release items, especially those with such significance and artisanship as the 'ahu'ula and mahiole, to indigenous people, and may represent a growing understanding of indigenous rights over cultural assets. Highlights from the return ceremonies included a powhiri (a Māon ceremony) at Te Papa, where the heritage pieces were given over to the Hawaiians. In addition, a private ceremony-conducted entirely in Māon and 'ōlelo Hawai'i-welcomed the 'ahu'ula and mahiole to where they will be housed at Bishop Museum. OHA was named to hold the items in trust for the Native Hawaiian npnnlp

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