Manu Aute: Traditional Māori Kites
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Manu Aute: Traditional Māori Kites
Exploring the Cultural Significance of Māori Kitemaking Year 10 Social Studies
What is a Manu Aute?
Traditional Māori kite also known as 'manu tukutuku' 'Manu' means both kite and bird in Māori 'Tukutuku' refers to winding out the line as the kite ascends Also called 'pākau' - meaning the wing of a bird Made from natural materials found in Aotearoa New Zealand
How Were Manu Aute Used?
Flown for recreation and entertainment Used for divination - predicting success of attacks on enemy strongholds Helped locate wrongdoers in the community Served as a means of long-distance communication Used to claim and occupy new land where the kite landed Celebrated the Māori New Year when Matariki appeared
Cultural Connection
When Porourangi died in Whāngārā on the East Coast, a kite was flown and his brother Tahu could see it from the South Island - demonstrating the power of manu aute for long-distance communication across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean)
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Connected to Māori mythology - Tāwhaki used a kite to ascend to the heavens Retrieved the baskets of knowledge while chanting karakia (prayers) Linked to seasonal celebrations and Matariki (Pleiades star cluster) Represented the connection between earth and sky Embodied the spiritual relationship with atua (gods) and ancestors Demonstrated mastery over natural elements like wind
Materials and Construction
MAIN MATERIAL: Bark from the aute (paper mulberry) tree Lightweight yet strong natural fiber Shaped and decorated with traditional patterns Attached to strong flax or other natural fiber lines Often featured geometric designs significant to iwi (tribes) Required skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations