Polynesian Society: Artifact 9

Feather Boxes

     Feather boxes were used to store personal ornaments and valuables. These boxes got their names due to the fact that they usually held black and white tail feathers of the huia, which were worn as hair decorations. The boxes would have normally been more elaborate on the underside because it was the most visible part when hung up in homes.
     The oval wakahuia is carved in the style found in the area of Wanganui. The style applied onto the lid is know as kowhaiwhai from the area of Poverty Bay on the east coast of North Island.
     The rectangular papanou has a flat base and is carved in a style associated with the Bay of Islands area north of New Zealand. The sides usually contained carvings called mania figures on the side of the box. They were carvings of faces and sometimes bodies too. There is also a flax cord that goes diagonally across the box to hold the lid in place.

Works Cited:
Information: A.L. Kaeppler, D.C. Starzecka (ed.), R. Neich. "Feather boxes." The British Museum.
     Trustees of the British Museum. Web. 10 Sept. 2014.
Picture: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/aoa/f/feather_boxes.aspx