Pīwakawaka- Known for its friendly ‘cheet cheet’ call and energetic flying antics, the fantail is one of the most common and loved native birds on the New Zealand mainland.
Feathers were symbols of status. In traditional Māori thought, many birds were seen as chiefly. The feathers of certain birds were used as adornment for high-born people – particularly plumes worn in the hair. Chiefs wore the Kahu huruhuru (feather cloak), made from the feathers of the most beautiful birds.
Heru, used by Maori to fasten long hair into a top knot. These also identified the rank of the wearer and were usually carved from a single piece of whale bone or wood and on occasion decorated with paua shell.
These days many bone carvings are made from cattle bone as it is an ethically abundant source.
