A rare and exceptionally well-preserved feather of the extinct huia bird has been sold at auction for over 46,000 New Zealand dollars (28,365 US dollars), making it officially the world’s most expensive feather.
The Huia, native to New Zealand, has been extinct since the early twentieth century. By the time Europeans arrived on the island, the bird was already scarce. However, its feathers became sought after by collectors and fashion traders, which ultimately contributed to its extinction.
The feathers remain highly prized among collectors, so it is unsurprising that the world’s priciest feather comes from a Huia.
The pristine feather was expected to fetch up to 3,000 US dollars at auction but sold for a remarkable 28,365 US dollars, setting a new record.
Leah Morris, head of decorative arts at Webb’s auction house, explained that the Huia is a well-known bird, and many people feel a connection to it. The feathers are not very tufted; the one auctioned has retained much of its original colour, presenting a rich brown and glossy appearance with no signs of insect damage.
One reason for the feathers’ high value lies in their cultural and spiritual significance to the Māori people of New Zealand, who often wore them as headdresses for chiefs.
Interestingly, the most expensive feather weighs only nine grams, making it worth many times more than gold
