Plumes from ParadiseThe natural resources of New Guinea and nearby islands have attracted outsiders for at least 5000 years. Spices, aromatic woods and barks, resins, plumes, sea slugs, shells, and pearls all brought traders from distant markets. Among the most sought after was the bird of paradise. Their magnificent plumes bedecked the hats of fashion conscious women in Europe and America, provided regalia for the Kings of Nepal, and decorated the headdresses of