Ceremonial Bird Snare

Artist Unknown

Date20th century

MediumWood and fiber

DimensionsH. 15 3/8 x Max. L. 4 7/8 x Diam. 1 3/4 in. (39.1 x 12.4 x 4.4 cm)

ClassificationsWood

Credit LineGift of the James G. Hanes Memorial Fund

Object numberG.74.2.20

On View

Not on view

Label Text
The early Maori of New Zealand relied on birds (especially the now-extinct moa) for abundant supplies of flesh and bone. Fashioned of wood and fiber, this interesting contraption used bird lime to attract and catch birds, especially parrots; a cord was set to snare the feet of the bird. The Maori woodcarver utilized a limited range of symbols, but was remarkably skilled at adapting the human form to the most utilitarian object. This stylized figure that combines human and avian (birdlike) elements apparently acted as a kind of sympathetic magic, ritually luring prey to the snare.
Published References"Recent Acquisitions," (exhibition catalogue) North Carolina Museum of Art Bulletin 13, nos. 1 and 2 (1975), cat. no. 147, illus. (b-w).
Exhibition HistoryRaleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "Recent Acquisitions," November 23, 1975-February 1, 1976, cat. no. 147, illus. (b-w).

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