What is special about the huia?
The huia is one of New Zealand’s best-known extinct birds because of its bill shape and beauty, as well as its special place in Māori culture and oral tradition. The bird was regarded by Māori as tapu (sacred), and the wearing of its skin or feathers was reserved for people of high status.
What is the feather of the Huia bird?
A single feather of the now extinct New Zealand huia bird has set a world record after being sold for NZD$46,521.50 ($28,417, £22,409) at an auction. The feather, initially expected to fetch up to $3,000, broke the previous record which was for a feather of the same species by 450%, the Webb’s Auction House said.
What is the rarest feather in the world?
A single feather from an extinct bird species has sold for a world-record £22,409 at auction. The feather belonged to a Huia – an extinct species of New Zealand wattlebird that was endemic to the North Island. The auction set a world record after the feather was sold for NZD$46,521.50 ($28,417; £22,409).
What does the huia feather symbolize?
The huia feather is a revered treasure for Māori and symbolises leadership and mana. The feathers from the tail of the huia were particularly prized and were worn in the hair or around the neck by both men and women.
Who wears the huia feather?
Maori traditionally prized and wore huia tail feathers as a mark of status. Tail feathers became fashionable in Britain after the Duke of York was photographed wearing one during a 1901 visit to New Zealand.
What does the huia feather earring mean?
The Huia was a native bird that sadly went extinct in 1924 due to predation by introduced mammals and to a lesser degree human interference. In Maori culture the Huia symbolised nobility, leadership and hierarchy.
How much is a huia feather worth?
The huia bird feather, auctioned by a New Zealand house, was sold for a whopping sum of USD 28,400, which stands for NZD 46,521. NZD in New Zealand’s local currency.
What is the most expensive feather in history?
A single feather of the now-extinct New Zealand huia bird set a world record after being sold for NZD$46,521 ($28,417) at an auction in Auckland on Wednesday.
What is the rarest feather color?
It turns out blue is one of the rarest pigments in nature. So, what’s going on here? Well, there are two ways you can make a colour. The first is to use a pigment.
What is the most expensive down feather?
The crème de la crème of duvets Eiderdown is also sustainably hand-gathered, and the rarest, most valuable source of down on the planet.
Are huia birds still alive?
The last confirmed sighting of a huia was in 1907, though it is believed they were still alive into the 1920s. The bird was sacred to Māori, and featured in songs and sayings, while the wearing of its feathers was reserved for rangatira (chiefs) and people with mana (prestige).
What is the strongest bird feather?
Wing feathers are the strongest feathers. They are long and powerful so birds can lift themselves into the air, fly and steer. Down feathers are right next to a bird’s skin.
What is the myth of the huia?
Many Māori records of the huia survive. One myth tells of a chief who placed a magic spell on his favourite huia, so that it would appear before him on command. On one occasion when the chief summoned the bird, it had been nesting and its tail feathers were ruffled.
What did huia look like?
The huia (Heteralocha acutirostris) was a majestic bird with vibrant orange wattles, shiny black feathers and white-tipped tail feathers. Unfortunately, this bird is extinct, with the last recorded sighting in December 1907. Our pick for Bird of the Century is the majestic huia.
What is the most sacred feather?
The Eagle Feather Each type of feather represents something different. The eagle’s feather, however, is one of the most esteemed. In Native culture, the eagle is considered the strongest and bravest of all birds. For this reason, its feathers symbolize what is highest, bravest, strongest, and holiest.
Why is the huia bird significant?
The huia (Heteralocha acutirostris) has long had iconic significance in New Zealand because of its beauty. The white-tipped tail feathers were a revered taonga (treasure) for Māori at the time of European arrival.
Why are waka huia important?
A waka huia is a treasure box, which was used by Māori to hold precious adornments such as hei tiki (pendants) and huia feathers for dressing the hair. Although Māori had a subsistence economy, they had enough time and resources to produce purely ornamental objects such as this.
What are waka huia made of?
Made of wood, pāua shell and harakeke (flax), it would have contained treasured possessions such as hei tiki (neck pendants) or huia feathers before being given to Cook in 1776.
What does a feather symbolize in jewelry?
Much of this relates to travel, freedom, hope, protection, good luck and messages from above. Many people wear feather jewellery to symbolise a lost one and their connection to them, and the finding of a feather in nature or an unexpected place is commonly thought of as a gift or a message from their lost loved one.
What do birds symbolize in New Zealand?
In Māori culture, birds are often seen to foretell the future, with their call or arrival thought to bring good or bad luck, such as the Tarāpunga warning of attack, the Kōmiromiro heralding good news, or the cry of the Ruru signifying guardianship, forewarning and wisdom.
What birds are sacred to Māori people?
Of all Tane’s children, the huia was the most sacred to Māori. Other birds, such as the kōtuku (white heron) and amokura (red-tailed tropic bird) were also prized for their plumes, but huia was pre-eminent.
What is the most expensive bird feather?
This single feather from an extinct huia bird sold at Webb’s Auction House in New Zealand. A feather from a long-extinct New Zealand bird has set a record after selling for $46,521 NZD (about $28,400 USD), the auction house handling the sale has said.
What’s the rarest feather?
A rare feather from an extinct New Zealand bird set a record at auction after selling for $46,521 NZD ($28,400 USD), the Webb’s auction house announced Monday. The huia bird, of the wattlebird family, was native to the North Island and last seen sometime between 1907 and 1920.
What bird has 5000 feathers?
TURKEY FACT #3: Feathers galore: An adult turkey has 5,000 to 6,000 feathers — count them!
Why are ostrich feathers expensive?
This new farming industry was propelled by the arrival in Oudtshoorn of Lithuanian Jewish immigrants who helped to instigate a booming feather trade. By the 1880s, ostrich feathers were so coveted for women’s fashion that, at one stage, they were pricier by weight than gold.
What is the most expensive down feathers?
The crème de la crème of duvets Eiderdown is also sustainably hand-gathered, and the rarest, most valuable source of down on the planet.
What bird has more than 25000 feathers?
The bird with the most feathers is the tundra, or whistling, swan, which has more than 25,000 feathers.
What is the myth of the huia?
Many Māori records of the huia survive. One myth tells of a chief who placed a magic spell on his favourite huia, so that it would appear before him on command. On one occasion when the chief summoned the bird, it had been nesting and its tail feathers were ruffled.
What is the importance of a waka huia?
A waka huia is a treasure box, which was used by Māori to hold precious adornments such as hei tiki (pendants) and huia feathers for dressing the hair. Although Māori had a subsistence economy, they had enough time and resources to produce purely ornamental objects such as this.
Is the huia bird alive?
The huia was the largest of New Zealand’s wattlebird species, known for its beautiful song, its predominantly black glossy feathers and long tail feathers tipped with white. The last confirmed sighting of a huia was in 1907, though it is believed they were still alive into the 1920s.
What do birds symbolize in New Zealand?
In Māori culture, birds are often seen to foretell the future, with their call or arrival thought to bring good or bad luck, such as the Tarāpunga warning of attack, the Kōmiromiro heralding good news, or the cry of the Ruru signifying guardianship, forewarning and wisdom.
How much is a New Zealand huia bird worth?
How much did a huia bird sell for?
How much is a rare feather from an extinct New Zealand Huia worth?
How much is a huia tail feather worth?
Okay, so you’re probably wondering why a feather from a Huia bird costs a small fortune. I mean, it’s just a feather, right? Well, not quite. There’s a whole lot of history, rarity, and cultural significance packed into those iridescent plumes.
Let’s break it down.
The Huia bird, _Heteralocha acutirostris_, was a beautiful creature endemic to New Zealand. They were known for their striking black and white plumage and a distinct difference in beak size between males and females. The males had long, curved, and sharp beaks, perfect for probing deep into tree trunks to find grubs and larvae. Females, on the other hand, had short, straight beaks that they used to pull insects out of bark.
But here’s the kicker: Huia birds were officially declared extinct in 1907.
That’s right, these magnificent birds are gone, victims of habitat loss, hunting, and introduced predators. And with their extinction came the rarity of their feathers.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “So, they’re extinct. What’s the big deal?”
Well, the thing is, even though the Huia bird is no longer with us, their feathers still hold enormous cultural and historical significance. They are symbols of New Zealand’s natural heritage and represent the devastating impact of human activity on native species.
The Cultural and Historical Significance of Huia Bird Feathers
For centuries, Huia bird feathers were highly prized by Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. They used these feathers for adornment, ceremonial purposes, and in traditional weaving. Huia feathers were a symbol of status, power, and respect.
The feathers were also used in _taonga_, which are treasured objects with deep cultural and spiritual significance. They were given as gifts for special occasions and were passed down through generations.
So, we’re not just talking about a pretty feather here. We’re talking about a piece of New Zealand’s history, culture, and a reminder of a lost species. And that’s why they are so incredibly valuable.
The Rarity and Value of Huia Bird Feathers
Because Huia birds are extinct, the only feathers available are those that were collected before their extinction. They are now considered rare artifacts and are incredibly sought after by collectors and museums around the world.
Think of it like this: you’ve got a vintage car. Let’s say it’s a 1967 Ford Mustang. You know it’s worth a pretty penny because it’s a classic, and they don’t make them anymore. Now imagine that Mustang was the only one of its kind in the world. That would make it even more valuable, right?
Huia bird feathers are kind of like that rare Mustang. They are incredibly rare, and because they are part of a lost cultural heritage, they are considered priceless.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Now, before you start thinking about hunting down some Huia feathers, let’s talk about the legalities and ethics involved.
Possessing a Huia bird feather is illegal in New Zealand. In fact, it’s against the law to even trade or sell these feathers. They are considered national treasures, and their ownership is restricted.
Even if you could legally obtain a Huia bird feather, there’s also a moral and ethical consideration. Remember, these feathers are a reminder of a lost species and a part of a culture that’s incredibly precious.
So, think twice before buying one, especially if you’re unsure of its origin.
Where to Find Huia Bird Feathers
If you’re truly interested in learning more about Huia bird feathers, I recommend visiting museums and cultural institutions in New Zealand. You might be able to see some Huia bird feathers on display, and you can learn about their history and significance.
But remember, it’s important to respect these feathers and their connection to New Zealand’s heritage.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Huia bird feathers:
1. How much does a Huia bird feather cost?
It’s impossible to put a price tag on a Huia bird feather. They are considered priceless, and their value is determined by factors such as their condition, provenance, and historical significance.
2. Where can I buy a Huia bird feather?
You can’t legally buy a Huia bird feather in New Zealand. It’s illegal to trade or sell them.
3. What’s the difference between a Huia bird feather and a Tui feather?
Huia bird feathers are black and white, while Tui feathers are iridescent green and blue.
4. Is it legal to have a Huia bird feather in another country?
Even if you’re not in New Zealand, it’s best to be aware of the laws and ethical implications of possessing Huia bird feathers. They are often subject to international regulations, and it’s important to respect the cultural and historical significance of these feathers.
5. Are there any replicas of Huia bird feathers?
While there are replicas of Huia bird feathers available, they are not considered authentic. These replicas are often made for decorative purposes and should not be mistaken for real Huia bird feathers.
In conclusion, the Huia bird feather is a symbol of a lost species and a precious part of New Zealand’s cultural heritage. Its rarity and historical significance have made it an incredibly valuable item.
See more here: What Is The Feather Of The Huia Bird? | Why Huia Bird Feather Is Expensive
World’s most expensive feather sells at New Zealand auction
The huia bird feather, which was expected to sell for up to $3,000 NZD ($1,830), smashed the estimate on Monday to become the world’s most expensive CNN
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In 2024 a single huia tail feather sold at auction for NZ$46,521 – making it the world’s most expensive feather ever. ‘Three huia’ by J.G. Keulemans. Image credit: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (via Wikimedia Commons) This article Predator Free NZ Trust
World’s most expensive feather sold in New Zealand auction – BBC
A single feather of the now extinct New Zealand huia bird has set a world record after being sold for NZD$46,521.50 ($28,417, £22,409) at an auction. BBC
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A single feather of an extinct bird was auctioned off in New Zealand on Monday for about NZ$46,521, or about $28,000, making it the most expensive feather Business Insider
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A single huia feather is expected to fetch over $2000 dollars at auction next week, according to Webb’s auction house. Huia feathers were popular in pre-colonial RNZ
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The huia bird feather, which was expected to sell for up to $3,000 NZD (US$1,830), smashed the estimate on Monday to become the world’s most expensive CTV News
World Record Broken – Most Expensive Feather Ever — Webbs –
A single feather from a huia bird – extinct since the early 1900s – has sold at Webb’s Auction House in New Zealand for $46,521, breaking the previous world record webbs.co.nz
Single feather of extinct huia bird sacred to New Zealand’s Māori …
A feather of New Zealand’s extinct huia has sold for $46,521 (£22,409), setting a new record for the feather of a bird sacred to the Māori people. The Independent
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A rare feather from the extinct New Zealand Huia bird has been auctioned for a staggering NZ$46,521 (approx. US$28,000), making it the most expensive feather ever sold at The Indian Express
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