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The Coming of the Maori

Feather Boxes

Feather Boxes

The storing of feathers for head decoration was provided for in different ways. The Marquesans used a length of bamboo as a case with a node at one end and a stopper for the open end. The Easter Islanders made a long pouch from the outer skin of a banana trunk. The Maori with their greater skill in carving made beautiful carved boxes with lids. Wooden receptacles share the canoe name of waka, and as huia feathers were kept in the boxes, they were termed waka huia. However, other valuables such as jade ornaments were also kept in the boxes. The waka huia are among the best specimens of Maori carving (Pl. XX).