Enamel Mug - Matariki

Black enamel mug with motifs of kites and stars.

Maori Kites: Manu Tukutuku / Manu Aute

Maori kites are commonly referred to collectively as manu tukutuku or manu aute.  Manu can mean a bird or kite, tukutuku refers to the letting out of the a kite line. Aute is a tree-bark fibre traditionally used by Maori for kite construction.  Kites were flown as a pastime, for communication, during war, and to support spiritual practices.  Kites were also flown to celebrate the appearance of Matariki, the Pleiades star system, which heralded the start of the Maori new year.  Traditionally, there were various types and forms of kites.  These included the triangular manu taratahi, the diamond (or oval) manu patiki, the rectangular or cross-shaped upoko tangata, the many aute which took a b ird or human-like form, and more.