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A collection of seven Amokura tail feathers, the full length…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Auckland
Date:
5-Nov-2013
Lot No.
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Description:
A collection of seven Amokura tail feathers, the full length feathers with off-white at the base tapering to their fine long length with typical striking red colouration, now some fading evident. Average length 44 cm. Provenance: 'The Amokura feathers were acquired from Mike Scholes in 1989. These were given to his father in the 1930s when he had the souvenir and curio shop which Mike and Sue now own in Whakarewarewa'. The letter of provenance associated with these feathers also includes the details: 'Amokura are the tail feathers of the Red Tailed Tropic Bird, a Pacific bird which has its nearest nesting place to N.Z. at Raoul Island, rarely seen in N.Z. when forced south by storms. These feathers were highly prized and were handed down through generations, used as fan shaped head decorations as can be seen in the mid 18th century French lithographs'. According to Elsdon Best, these feathers were indeed a prize to the Maori of old and a valuable medium in barter being exchanged for greenstone and other coveted valuables. These seven feathers are housed in a Waka Huia which incorporates bird-like Manaia figures to the lid in an unusual design peculiar to the Te Arawa, named 'Torea' (Pide oyster catcher-stilt), see letter attached
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified