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Kahu- Birth of a Messenger
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Edition 32 He Whakamaramatanga Artists Statement 'He watches as yet another messenger alights in readiness for the task ahead'. Many cultures revere the Hawk (Kahu) as a messenger between the realms. They are charged with the task of carrying messages of grief to loved ones lost to the ethereal realm and returning messages of hope eternal to those left behind. They have a special role and must be cherished and protected in these times of changing life and landscapes. The fledgling, a new messenger, prepares to land upon the cloak of feathers for he will need to be embraced for a time while he is prepared for his chosen role. There are two traditional patterns used in this image. 'Taki toru' (three by three) is a pattern used to denote communication between the realms. Traditionally they adorn the rafters of the meeting-houses and the three stripes alternate between the physical and spiritual realms. The 'mangopare' (hammer head shark) pattern is used to denote strength and power and is one of the most common Maori patterns used. In this particular image it represents the strength of our rivers (awa) and the importance of water as life's sustenance. We are born of water and our rivers are acknowledged as the umbilical cord back to the beginning of time. 'E rere ra e te Manu Ariki' - Fly free. September 2009
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For use information see: http://www.willamette.edu/arts/hfma/collections/copyright.html