Wood And Brass Kiwi Bird

Wood And Brass Kiwi Bird

This is a Kiwi bird made from wood and brass. I believe the material is mango wood. I think these were sold by Crate & Barrel sometime around 2000? Not sure if it's supposed to stand or sit..I like it standing. And of course I have a hot rod gene..you cannot give me a gift like this and not expect me to polish up the metal!

KIWI - AY
Kiwis are flightless birds native to New Zealand. It is also their national bird. Additionally "Kiwi" (/?ki?wi/ KEE-wee) is a common self-reference used by New Zealanders.

SAVE THE TREES LOOSE YOUR WINGS
"According to Maori legend, the Kiwi bird is blessed by Tane Mahuta - God of the Forest. Kiwi once had beautiful coloured wings. The forest was becoming endangered and needed to be protected from the ground. Tane Mahoka, Tane Mahuta's brother, asked all the birds to volunteer and come down to earth to guard and protect the trees of the forest, but none of them accepted the challenge except the Kiwi. For it to fulfil this duty and protect the forest land, the Kiwi lost its wings and grew short strong legs. Tane Mahoka was so impressed by the courage and sacrifice shown by Kiwi and promised it to become the most well known and most loved bird of them all."

CRATE & BARREL
In Chicago Illinois at the age of 23, Gordon and Carole Segal opened their first store in an abandoned elevator factory building.

They were inspired during a honeymoon in the Caribbean, where the Segals saw inexpensive yet tasteful European household products for sale. They decided they wanted to open a store offering tasteful decor for young couples.