Pelerine

human history

Pelerine. A feathered garment used in similar fashion to a shawl or a cape. It was possibly influenced by Hawaiian feather work, especially the ‘Ahu‘ula. The pelerine is curved in shape intended to be placed across the wearer‘s shoulders with two long bands that drape down in front. This pelerine consists of small multi-coloured feathers from game birds such as guinea fowl, pheasant, and peacock sewn onto a base of linen. The feathers of browns, whites, greys and mottled hues are sewn in a geometric arrangement with four triangles on each of the panels that drape over the arm. The underside of the garment is lined with small white marabou puffs. The pelerine is light in weight.

Accession number: 1980.64 Last Update: 11 May 2026
Other Name

Cape (alternative)

Accession Number

1980.64

Accession Date

01 Jul 1980

Other Id

48790 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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