A single feather from the now extinct New Zealand huia bird has set a world record by selling for NZD$46,521.50 ($28,417, £22,409) at an auction. Initially expected to fetch up to $3,000, the feather surpassed the previous record for a huia feather by 450%, according to Webb’s Auction House.
The huia bird was sacred to the Māori people, and their feathers were traditionally worn as headpieces by chiefs and their families or used in gifting and trading. The last confirmed sighting of the huia was in 1907, although there were unconfirmed sightings for up to thirty years after that, as noted by the Museum of New Zealand.
Known for its jumping abilities and distinctive plumage, the huia was a small songbird from the wattlebird family in New Zealand. The feather sold on Monday was described as being in “wonderful condition” by Leah Morris, Head of Decorative Arts at Webb’s Auction House. She noted its distinct sheen and absence of insect damage. The auction house had framed the feather behind UV protective glass and with archival paper to ensure its longevity.
Registered as a taonga tūturu, the feather is protected under a system that safeguards Māori-made objects. Only licensed collectors could purchase it, and it cannot leave New Zealand without permission from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage. The high interest from New Zealanders contributed to the record price, as many were eager to become registered collectors.
Leah Morris mentioned, “We got a record number of people seeing how to become registered collectors. In New Zealand, we care so much about looking after the land, the environment, and our flora and fauna.” She emphasized that the extinction of the huia has heightened awareness and efforts to protect other native species.
In the past, huia feathers were a status symbol for the Māori. Already rare before European colonization, the huia became a target for collectors and fashion enthusiasts, which ultimately led to its extinction, according to the Museum of New Zealand.
