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Feathers for money

In 1957 David Attenborough travelled to Papua New Guinea for the Zoo Quest series. He quickly realised the value of the birds of paradise when he visited the local people. The beautiful feathers are the equivalent of money and play an essential part in the bargaining that goes on between families when fixing a wedding settlement. The men also use them for decoration and status when they want to dance, a custom that is still practised today.

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