A Maori carved hardwood waka huia or feather box, early 19th Century, the oval boat shaped body and removable lid with overall carved curvilinear decoration, each end with a stylized head handle, the interior of the lid inscribed in yellow paint with 'George Hawthorn 1830', length approx 43.5cm (some cracks to both ends and lid in two pieces). Note: waka huia were used as treasure containers, storing prized possessions such as the tail feathers of the huia bird. They were designed to be suspended from the low ceilings of Maori houses and therefore had finely carved undersides.