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The Manaia


On the side of the building in Whangarei is this quirky odd looking mural named "The Manaia" which was painted for the Whangarei Street Arts Festival. In Maori culture it symbolizes a mythological creature believed to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits. It was painted by Brazilian artist Mateus Bailon who was born in Santa Catarina when he visited New Zealand.  

Linking up with Mural Monday.

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Comments

Tigger's Mum said…
Interesting that no one has accused him of 'cultural appropriation'. He can paint whatever he likes but can he call it manaia? It's very good and and I like it very much. Author Philip Pullman called the spirit guides in his Book of Dust dæmons. I'd been told that manaia has the head of a bird, the body of man, and the tail of a fish. In this way it binds us, air, land and water.
9 January 2022 at 21:10
local alien said…
Just look at that dragon. Amazing artwork!
9 January 2022 at 21:36
Andy said…
Spectacular mural. The artist has talent.
9 January 2022 at 23:30
Tom said…
...I like it!
10 January 2022 at 01:34
Sharon said…
I like it a lot.
10 January 2022 at 05:04
NatureFootstep said…
wow, I´d say that´s one flowerful creature :) Love it :)
10 January 2022 at 08:30
Mae Travels said…
Inviting a Brazilian artist to paint a traditional Maori figure does seem very strange. It is a wonderful composition, though.

best.... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
10 January 2022 at 09:12
William Kendall said…
It is eye catching.
10 January 2022 at 11:25
kwarkito said…
a wonderful dragon. thanks for sharing this
10 January 2022 at 11:45
Bleubeard and Elizabeth said…
Regardless of the strangeness, this is a beautifully created mural. Nicely done.
10 January 2022 at 12:26
Bertiebo said…
That is a beautiful painting. And it's nice that you tell the meaning
10 January 2022 at 18:02
Iris Flavia said…
Like your new banner, especially the two people (Dad and kid?) on the board.
Great mural, too. I like the idea as well.
10 January 2022 at 18:46
Sami said…
I'm with Mae, strange that a Brazilian artist would paint a traditional Maori figure, but he had done a great job! So much detail!
Thanks for participating in Monday Murals Amy.
10 January 2022 at 22:21
Sallie (FullTime-Life) said…
A very interesting story to go with the fascinating creature I sure wouldn't have understood it without your words, so thank you very much for that! I love learning.
12 January 2022 at 13:27
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