The Huia (Heteralocha acutirostris) is an extinct species of New Zealand wattlebird, endemic to the North Island of New Zealand.
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The last confirmed sighting of a huia was in 1907, although there were credible sightings into the 1960s. Its extinction had two primary causes. The first was rampant overhunting to procure huia skins for mounted specimens and their tail feathers for hat decorations. The second major cause was the widespread deforestation of the lowlands of the North Island by European settlers to create pasture for agriculture. Most of these forests were ancient, ecologically complex primary forests, and huia were unable to survive in regenerating secondary forests.
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The Huia was the most sacred to Māori. Other birds, such as the kōtuku (white heron) and amokura (red-tailed tropic bird) were also prized for their plumes, but huia was pre-eminent. In pre-European times, only chiefs of high rank and their whānau (family) wore the distinguished tail feathers in their hair.
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Like jewels plucked from a royal crown, huia feathers were given as tokens of friendship and respect. In a culture without money, tribes occupying the Huia country of the North Island sent the feathers as gifts, or traded them with other tribes for greenstone, sharks’ teeth and other valuables.
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"Sacred Huia"  Variable Size's up to 900mm x 600mm, printed on Archival Hahnemühle Fine Art Print Surface, with white boarder. Please note other surfaces are available on request. Please contact us if you need smaller variation requests.
 
This Artwork is a limited edition of 95.
 
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