Feather of Huia Bird

Because Huia birds have been extinct for almost a century, their feathers are extremely valuable. It is the most valuable feather on the globe because it is the only known surviving specimen. The feathers from the huia's tail were highly treasured, and both men and women wore them in their hair or around their necks. Feathers were frequently housed in wakahuia, or beautifully carved boxes. In New Zealand, it was auctioned off and won by an anonymous buyer.

After the Duke of York was pictured wearing one during a 1901 visit to New Zealand, tail feathers became popular in the United Kingdom. A guide removed a huia tail feather from her hair and placed it in the band of the Duke's hat as a symbol of respect during a ceremonial Mori welcome in Rotorua. As a result, in both England and New Zealand, a new fashion trend was born. Tail feathers were quickly pushed down to £1, making each bird worth £12 (12 feathers per tail), and some feathers went for as much as £5. Huia beaks from females were also used as jewelry.

Huia feathers were given as marks of friendship and respect, similar to gems plucked from a regal crown. Tribes inhabiting the huia country of the North Island delivered the feathers as presents or exchanged them with other tribes for greenstone, sharks' teeth, and other treasures in a civilization without money.

Cost: 10,000 USD