Auckland auction house Webb’s is preparing to auction five rare huia feathers on Sunday, with each expected to sell for thousands of dollars.
Interest in the feathers of the extinct huia bird soared earlier this year when a single feather broke records by selling for $46,521, far exceeding its estimated value of $1,000-$2,000. The huia feather is now considered one of the most valuable in the world.
The five feathers up for auction range in value from $7,000 to $14,000, according to Webb’s website. Leah Morris, head of decorative arts at Webb’s, noted that prices for huia feathers have significantly risen since May, with past auctions typically fetching $2,000 per feather.
Each feather has its own history. One was bought at an auction a decade ago, while others have been passed down through generations. Notably, one feather was gifted in 1882 by Kīngi Tāwhiao, a Māori king, to a telegraphist during a significant gathering.
Huia feathers, considered treasures or taonga in Māori culture, hold deep cultural and historical importance. The huia bird, native to New Zealand, was last seen in 1907, and its extinction is a poignant reminder of the impact of deforestation and hunting.
Webb’s has seen steady interest in the huia feathers, with many visiting simply to glimpse these rare artefacts. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Morris said, as these feathers connect people to New Zealand’s rich history and the importance of protecting native species.
I never knew there were white huia birds! If I could buy a feather I would like a white one.