Black Francolin Feather Hat Lei

Tsugi Kimura Kaiama of Kamuela (American, 1914-1998) made this rare Black Francolin feather hatband lei in 1980. She was recognized as the master feather lei maker of Hawai’i. There are only about 300 Tsugi Kaiama lei in existence. Her brother, Yutaka Kimura, who was one of the famous cowboys of the Parker Ranch, taught her this trade. At her memorial services at Imiola Church in Waimea in the late ‘90s, dozens of her feathered lei were displayed. The National Endowment of the Arts recognized Tsugi for her achievements.

All of Tsugi Kaiama lei are heirlooms. It took 3 hours to complete one inch, with 30 feathers per row. She said she “worked with carefully preserved whole pelts because it made finding the feathers that match in shape, size and color much easier and that leaving the feathers in the pelt preserved their color and sheen.” Tsugi sewed several foundation feathers at the band's edges and added feathers across the center. This assured the lei lies flat. Many of Tsugi’s lei sport unique diagonal designs. This is extremely difficult, so lei makers seldom do it. Tsugi’s designs are extraordinary, as is her precision stitchery.

Black Francolin is a medium-sized francolin usually found in elevations up to 7000 feet. Scaled coloration is a rich dark black with shades of chestnut. They adapt best near irrigation ditches, reservoirs, and along roadways.

All of Tsugi Kaiama lei are heirlooms. It took 3 hours to complete one inch, with 30 feathers per row. There are only about 300 Tsugi Kaiama lei in existence. She said she “worked with carefully preserved whole pelts because it made finding the feathers that match in shape, size and color much easier and that leaving the feathers in the pelt preserved their color and sheen.” Tsugi sewed several foundation feathers at the band's edges and added feathers across the center. This assured the lei lies flat. Many of Tsugi’s lei sport unique diagonal designs. This is extremely difficult, so lei makers seldom do it. Tsugi’s designs are extraordinary, as is her precision stitchery.