Maori Print - Warrior with Tattoo and Taiaha
Click image to enlarge
DPF03
This Maori lithograph print by Douglas Ferrier depicts a Maori warrior with tattoos and holding a taiaha.
The Maori print measures 12 3/8" (31.5cm) x 17 1/2" (44.5 cm) and is printed on good quality textured card, all ready to frame and admire on your wall. A descriptive paper is included.
From their early youth each young Maori male's life was dedicated to either Rongo (peace) or Pakanga (war). While in the service of Tumatauenga (the God of War) battles were fought in close contact, and hand-to-hand. To aid in this close combat the Maori warrior (Toa) would fight in a naked or semi-naked state, as clothing would only serve to restrict the freedom and agility required for this in-close fighting. Appropriately, his hair would be tied back tikitiki (top knot) fashion, to minimize an enemy's attempt at hairgrabbing during battle.
The exception to attire would be a thickly plaited war belt, into which were thrust a mere or a patu (short striking clubs). This belt also helped ward off the spear thrusts of would-be enemies. This Toa is shown grasping a taiaha (staff) which was a deadly striking and parring weapon. With his Maori moko (facial tattoo) and puhoro (thigh tattoo) he not only looked fearsome, but his fighting skills made him a formidable foe.
The Maori print measures 12 3/8" (31.5cm) x 17 1/2" (44.5 cm) and is printed on good quality textured card, all ready to frame and admire on your wall. A descriptive paper is included.
From their early youth each young Maori male's life was dedicated to either Rongo (peace) or Pakanga (war). While in the service of Tumatauenga (the God of War) battles were fought in close contact, and hand-to-hand. To aid in this close combat the Maori warrior (Toa) would fight in a naked or semi-naked state, as clothing would only serve to restrict the freedom and agility required for this in-close fighting. Appropriately, his hair would be tied back tikitiki (top knot) fashion, to minimize an enemy's attempt at hairgrabbing during battle.
The exception to attire would be a thickly plaited war belt, into which were thrust a mere or a patu (short striking clubs). This belt also helped ward off the spear thrusts of would-be enemies. This Toa is shown grasping a taiaha (staff) which was a deadly striking and parring weapon. With his Maori moko (facial tattoo) and puhoro (thigh tattoo) he not only looked fearsome, but his fighting skills made him a formidable foe.
