Story: Kites and manu tukutuku

Birdman kite (1st of 2)

Birdman kite

This Māori birdman kite is held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Its name comes from its shape: a human body and head, with extended wings. It is very similar to the kite known as manu kāhu, shaped like a harrier-hawk, and to a type of kite made with bark of the aute (paper mulberry) plant, known as the peru.

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Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira

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:

Bob Maysmor, 'Kites and manu tukutuku - Types of Māori kite', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/5284/birdman-kite (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Bob Maysmor, published 12 Jun 2006