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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.

About this item

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.

How to cite this page:

Bob Maysmor. 'Kites and manu tukutuku', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 2-Mar-09
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/kites-and-manu-tukutuku/2/2/1