Taira-Heiria | Limited Edition Giclee Fine Art Print

“Taira-Heiria” - The seventh illustration of "The Wāhine in Gold Series"

Taira-Heiria is the embodiment of mana wāhine—mothers, knowledge seekers and holders, practitioners, and leaders—the pillars and life givers of whakapapa. Her features reveal resilience and an affirming sense of prestige and honor bestowed upon wāhine Māori, who have always stood on equal footing with tāne in te ao Māori. From this, we see her achievements, knowledge, courage, and strength, all carried with a proud grace that inspires those around her.

This illustration captures the essence of women who rise to the occasion, balancing their roles in the community while nurturing their whānau, hapū, and iwi.

In designing this piece, I aimed to create a bold, chiefly image. I reached out to a moko artist, Tyler Jade, whom I have followed for years, and asked if I could use her as a model, as she truly represents this mana wāhine archetype, connecting wāhine and tāne with their whakapapa and tūpuna through the art and tradition of tā moko. 

She is adorned with a Kaitaka-styled korowai, where the intricate aronui/pātea and taniko patterns reflect the chiefly status that all wāhine deserve.