Ancient Hawaii was governed by a sharply defined caste system in which kings held the highest authority and chiefs, or Alii, ruled sections of the land at the pleasure of the kings. At times, each major island in the Hawaiian chain had its own king, and wars were frequent among the ancient Hawaiians, whether between islands or between rival chiefs. Battles consisted largely of hand-to-hand combat using spears, clubs, and daggers. Feather-covered capes and helmets marked social rank, and only kings, the highest-ranking chiefs, or warriors of great ability could wear these feathered garments in battle, while lesser chiefs and warriors wore helmets without feather decorations. The high-crested helmet shape was the most elegant and elaborate of the ancient helmets, and its possession and use were reserved exclusively for the kings of old Hawaii.