There
is definitely and element of conservation in my work. I want people
to be reminded about the importance of preserving our environment.
This is why so many of the themes I work with have to do with endangered
or extinct species and New Zealand’s impressive native flora.
The huia feather depicted in this piece is an example of human’s
lack of care.
“The Maori prized the bird for its beautiful feathers which
they used in many of their crafts and considered it sacred above all
other animals. Only great chiefs could acceptably wear it… The
Huia population was steadily brought down and its forest habitats
were cleared to open land for pasture and new predators were introduced
to New Zealand. In the 19th century, many of the birds were killed
for collectors and biologists. In 1888, Maori chiefs in the Manawatu
and Wairarapa areas declared the Huia protected (tapu) and forbid
any Maori from killing the bird. The Maori asked Europeans to stop
their hunt and even tried to relocate Huia to island sanctuaries…
The efforts were not enough and the final blow was struck in 1901
when the Duke of York visited Rotorua. A Huia feather was placed in
his hatband to signify rank and photographs appeared in London newspapers.
Almost overnight, Huia feathers became a required fashion and their
price skyrocketed… The Huia bird was declared extinct in the
1920s.”
Sources: www.enn.com, www.nzbirds.com
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