First Born
(Legendary Polynesian Mermaid)

Pania is the beloved Maori sea maiden of Polynesia, who is destined to fall in love with a human man, the young village chief Karitoku. She resides in the ocean facing the Hukarere cliff base of Napier. In this depiction she is still a young keiki (baby child), tenderly embraced by her mother Malina on their clamshell bed. 

(In a specifically Hawaiian legend, this mermaid keiki is Pimoe. As Pimoe, she grew to be so beautiful that Pele the volcano goddess flew into a jealous rage and turned her into lava stone.)

The greedy sea-hag, vicinity taniwha, notoriously steals first-born merchildren. When she comes for Pania, however, the sea-hag becomes distracted by the lustrous illusion of a perfect giant pearl, birthed magically by the clamshell aumakua-- guardian spirit-- through its womblike opening below. As Malina holds Pania protectively behind it, the witch tries repeatedly to grab for the pearl. Being insubstantial, however, her hands swish right through it. Finally, she gives up, and goes grumbling on her way. Malina and Pania share a secret smile.

The artwork Museum Grade Giclee is available in both Limited Edition on Canvas, and Open Edition on acid free imaging photopaper.

25”WX20”H Limited Edition 300 on Canvas, $1200
Includes a certificate of authenticity, hand signed, and an insightful explanation of the Polynesian legend.

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• All  fine art PRINTS are acid-free, giclee or laser, come complete with the written legend, and are matted in an elegant double  matte, cream white with an acid-free gold lining.      

16x20" $73 -    Fine Art print