Story: Traditional Māori games – ngā tākaro

Manu tukutuku (birdman kite), 1890

Manu tukutuku (birdman kite), 1890

In 2012 this birdman kite was held in the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and was the largest surviving Māori kite from the 19th century. The teeth, hair and moko were all made of hawk feathers. Māori made a range of kites, but many were designed to resemble birds.

Using this item

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira
Reference: Neg. No. 4698

Permission of the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Ross Calman, 'Traditional Māori games – ngā tākaro - Flying kites, spinning tops and other games', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/39357/manu-tukutuku-birdman-kite-1890 (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Ross Calman, published 5 Sep 2013