Manu tukutuku

Much more than a game: manu tukutuku, Māori kites, have a fundamental spiritual value. They are messengers, guardians, extentions between people, nature and gods. They were flown in autumn and winter, when winds were favourable. In some tribes they were used to connect with the heavens or to signal the start of planting seasons. Rangatira (the leaders) and tohunga (priests) can apply them to keep in contact with atua (gods), or as symbols of power and poeace during tribe gatherings. Kite-making is an art handed down through generations: each fibre has an essence, each element has a meaning.