Page:Maori Division of Time.djvu/49

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
THE MAORI DIVISION OF TIME
45
Roa Long, of time, as in he roa te wa = a long time.
Taikareha The day before yesterday. Syn. Raitariha.
Tainahi Yesterday.
Tainanahi
Tainakareha Day before yesterday.
Tainaoake Day before yesterday.
Tainawhea Interrogative, past time. What time?
Taitariha Day before yesterday.
Takiwa Time; period.
Takurua-waipu Midwinter.
Tau Season; year. 2. Period of time; interval.
Tauhouanga Last year. See Houanga.
Tauhounga
Taumano For a long time.
Tuaorangi Distant time, past or future.
Tuauki-po Midnight.
Turua po
Turuawaenga po
Turuawaenganui po
Turuawai po
Turuawe po
Wa Time; season.
Waenganui po Midnight.
Waipo
Weherua
Weherua po
Whaturua Midwinter.




The above figure and the one on the title page represent what is usually termed the "double manaia," a well-known device in Maori carving. Manaia is the name given by natives to the grotesque bird-headed creature shown above. It often appears singly; when the double form is employed, then one is situated on either side of an equally grotesque human figure. The positions are peculiar; each manaia has its beak applied to an ear of the central figure, and the design suggests some symbolical signification. In Melanesia the same design, less conventionalized, is met with, and a similar one is reported to have been seen carved on temples in Java, though in this case corroboration would be welcomed. In India we hear of the two garudas or bird-like figures flanking the figure of Vishnu. These represent the spirits of Good and Evil, both of whom are endeavouring to influence Vishnu. With the Scandinavian god Odin two ravens are also frequently associated.

It is worthy of note that the so-called "hands" of these manaia are termed haohao, or claws, by the Maori. The three fingers that appear on the hands of old carved representations of the human figure in Maori work is a usage so ancient that its origin is lost. The peculiarity is seen in old Babylonian sculptures, in early Scandinavian art, and had been noted in the art-work of many far-sundered lands.



By Authority: W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—1922.

[2,000/9/21—13567