Mother and Child of the 44’s.
For Moriori the Waina Pono - original inhabitants of the Rekohu / Chatham Islands the Toroa / Albatross is culturally significant; as a symbol of peace. Non violence and pacifism were the foundations of their society. Tribal elder Nunuku forebode war, killing and fighting. For hundreds of years Moriori lived a peaceful existence. Seabirds and Albatross adorn the new Kopinga Marae on Rekohu. Both Moriori and Maori valued the white plumes of albatross feathers and they were worn to signify chiefly status, beauty and power. The Albatross were revered above all others, a chief would have the power of the Albatross running in his blood. They were mythological demigods, as well as being a symbol of permanence, stamina, endurance, faithfulness. The feathers signified peace, unity, and goodwill. They adorned the prow of waka and the hair or beards of chiefs. Hawaiians believe the Albatross to be a mediator between gods and man, with the birds ongoing trips to the heavens.
Albatross have long been held in awe by mariners, gliding effortlessly over vast oceans. To be followed by an albatross was thought to bring good luck to sailors. It can also be considered an omen, both good and bad. For a burden to be carried as a penance. Or for the souls of drowned sailors to enter and become one of these sacred birds.
Oh for your tears dear Albatross. Roimata Toroa, in your longing for the ocean.
Albatross were a revered food source for Moriori. Who would paddle out to the islands of the 44’s from the Rekohu / Chatham Islands in sturdy boats with sea birds carved on the prow. The bases of the boats were made from harakeke poles lashed together in a crate like formation with bull kelp floats. These boats soaked up water similar to the early boats made from Raupo used by Moari. They were able to make large sturdy rafts like canoes suitable to make fishing trips and food gathering journeys to the outlying islands. Fledgeling Toaroa / Albatross, albatross eggs and Titi / Mutton Birds were harvested.
Out at these Islands where rocks rise up out of the ocean the treacherous cliffs were scaled to gain access to the birds. In the island's presence howling winds and sea marry with the noise of the birds and Clapmatches, mother seals. A crying, wailing, sky calling with a message to a partner up in the air. I am here! With a tremendous screeching. The wailing of the birds and gales, waves relentlessly caressing, crashing, then draining off in trailing white ribbons over skirt frills of kelp, seeming delicate details in rich umber, ochre and rose.
The constant circling of Albatross overhead and haunting cries upon this harsh Island of rock. A habitat to so many with caverns and caves breathing mist sprays out on the sea. The mother and child of rock watch over these islands in constant gaze as guardians to the secrets of the past. Attuned to a message of peace and tolerance from a wide winged bird. No boundary, no border. Open paths across the seas, there is something so special about such vast powerful natural wandering.