item details
NameEmbroidered picture
ProductionRungomai; embroiderer; circa 1900; Tokomaru Bay
Classificationpictures, embroidery
Materialssilk, linen, kauri (wood), pāua (abalone shell), glass
DimensionsFrame: 700mm (width), 480mm (height), 30mm (depth)
Registration NumberPC003937
Credit linePurchased 1990 with Charles Disney Art Trust funds
Overview
This embroidery of a female huia bird was made and framed by 'Rungomai' at Tokomaru Bay. It was created not long before the last sighting of huia in 1907.
The huia was a striking songbird, mainly black with long white-tipped tail feathers, much prized by Māori as marks of status.