40 million won for a new feather?more than 20 times the price of gold of the same weight
Oct 13, 2025
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According to local media such as the Otago Daily Times, a feather of an extinct bird 'Hua' was sold for 46,000 New Zealand dollars (about 40 million won) at the 'Webbs auction house' in Auckland, New Zealand. The winning Hui'a feather weighs just 9 grams, but its value is more than 20 times higher than gold of the same weight.
Huia bird is a species endemic to New Zealand, officially extinct in 1907.
The male and female beaks were distinctly different, playing a unique ecological role, and were considered sacred symbols to the Maori people.
Huia, who was already a rare species when Europeans arrived in New Zealand, was targeted by collectors and merchants for her beautiful feathers, which eventually disappeared due to over-harvesting. Currently, Huia feathers are still highly valuable among collectors, and their scarcity and historical value were reflected in this auction.
An official at the Webbs auction house said "Huaia is a symbol for New Zealanders, and many are emotionally connected to the bird." Then "There is little lump of feathers, the rich brown and rainbow colors remain, and there is no damage caused by insects at all.", he explained.
Another reason why Huia feathers have a high value is their cultural and spiritual significance to the Maori people. The chiefs of the Maori wore Huia feathers as a headdress, a symbol of authority and respect.
Meanwhile, the winning bidder is not disclosed, but it is known that he is a New Zealander.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
