Wakahuia—from
the words “waka” meaning container or vessel and “huia” - huia
bird (heteralocha acutirostris which is now extinct).
Huia feathers were
traditionally worn by Maoris of high rank and were symbols of their
status and authority. The feathers were considered “tapu” or sacred
because of contact with the head of such individuals. Elaborate wooden
boxes were hand-carved to hold and protect the feathers. The boxes and
their contents were often given names and were handed down through
families.
Commissioned by
Shelley Hietala, Haines, Alaska as a wedding present and hand carved
from the bone of a single deer coronet by Maori sculptor, Len Kay,
Whangarei, New Zealand, 2001.
