A single feather from the now extinct New Zealand huia bird has set a world record, selling for NZD$46,521.50 ($28,417, Β£22,409) at an auction. This astonishing sale, conducted by Webb’s Auction House, shattered the previous record for a huia feather by 450%. Initially expected to fetch up to $3,000, the feather’s final price underscores its cultural and historical significance.
The huia bird, sacred to the MΔori people, was once adorned as headpieces by chiefs and their families, often gifted or traded. Known for its distinctive white-tipped plumage, the huia was last confirmed seen in 1907, although unconfirmed sightings continued for two to three decades thereafter.
Leah Morris, Head of Decorative Arts at Webb’s Auction House, praised the feather’s preservation. “It still has its very distinct sheen to it, and there was no insect damage,” she noted. The auction house ensured its longevity by framing the feather behind UV protective glass and using archival paper.
The feather is registered as a taonga tΕ«turu, a system protecting Maori-made objects. Only licensed collectors could bid on the item, and it cannot leave New Zealand without approval from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage. This regulation underscores the cultural importance and rarity of the feather, contributing to the heightened interest and record-breaking price.
The high level of interest among New Zealanders, many of whom sought to become registered collectors, reflects a deep-seated commitment to preserving the country’s natural heritage. “In New Zealand, we care so much about looking after the land, the environment, and our flora and fauna,” Morris explained. She expressed hope that the fate of the huia bird would serve as a cautionary tale to prevent future extinctions of New Zealand’s unique wildlife.
Before European colonization, the huia was already rare, but its distinctive feathers became highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts, hastening its extinction. This auction not only highlights the feather’s monetary value but also emphasizes the profound cultural loss experienced with the bird’s disappearance.