photograph of current display in the Grand Vestibule

Grand Vestibule: The British Monarchy and the World

The Grand Vestibule at Windsor Castle reflects interaction between the monarchy and the wider world

MAORI

Feather bag

1981

RCIN 32171

The kiwi bird is indigenous to New Zealand and holds special significance for Maori, acting as a messenger between the spiritual and physical realms. Capes made from finely woven kiwi feathers hold great prestige and mana (authority). This bag, combining kiwi feathers and flax, was presented to Queen Elizabeth II by the Atiawa People of Waiwhetu during her Commonwealth visit to Australia and New Zealand in 1981.

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