'ahu 'ula Item Number: 2012.99.1 from the Portland Art Museum
Description
Bernice Akamine says the impetus behind her feather work is a cultural connection to her Hawaiian ancestors, and finds inspiration in the feather baskets of the Pomo people. 'Ahu 'ula is the feather cape worn by Hawaiian nobility. This basket speaks alliances leading to cultural and artistic connections throughout the Pacific. Though this basket portrays connections between people and the natural world, Akamine says that when she works with feathers, the quiet she experiences is like an isolated meditation.
Collection History Provenance
Museum Purchase: Funds provided by an anonymous donor.
Item History
- Made by Bernice Akamine during 2011
What
- Name
- 'ahu 'ula
- Identification Number
- 2012.99.1
- Type of Item
- basket
- Material
- dyed goose feather, copper metal (wire) and glass seed bead
- Overall
- height 2.5 in, diameter 5.0 in
Who
- Culture
- Japanese and Kanaka Maoli
- Creator
- Bernice Akamine
Where
- Holding Institution
- Portland Art Museum
When
- Creation Date
- during 2011
Other
- Categories
- Hawaii; Baskets