§ Symbol
Bird
Manu
Polynesia at large · Rapa Nui
The bird (manu) symbolises freedom, message and the link between the earthly and spiritual worlds in Polynesian culture. On Rapa Nui the birdman (tangata manu) carries a specific ceremonial meaning.
§ How I draw it
7 original drawings
None of these drawings gets tattooed as it is. They're the starting point: in the consultation the motif is adapted to your anatomy and to the rest of the piece.
§ Meaning
Freedom, message, the link with the sky.
Manu is bird in most of Polynesia. Because it moves between earth and sky, it's given the role of messenger: it brings news, warnings and, in some accounts, the presence of someone who is no longer here.
On Rapa Nui the birdman motif (tangata manu) carries a specific ceremonial weight tied to the cult of Make-make, so it shouldn't be used lightly or presented as mere decoration.
In contemporary tattooing it appears mostly reduced to a few strokes in borders, or as a standalone figure with an almost rock-art look.
§ How it's drawn
Minimal linework: a V or an M for open wings, sometimes with a short vertical body. Repeated in a row it forms the chevron border that finishes many armbands.
§ Works well with
Interested in a piece with the bird?
In the consultation we work out how it fits your body and your story.
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