Post #299178 by Limey on Sat, Apr 14, 2007 2:39 AM

Yes Tangaroa is the God of the sea true. The Polynesian sea-god, who separated the sky from the earth. He is a son the earth-goddess Papa, who had so much water in her body that it swelled one day and burst forth, becoming the ocean. He may appear as a huge fish giving birth to all the sea creatures, including mermen and mermaids. From the latter sprang humanity, according to certain myths, so people are really fish who have lost their fish-like appearance. Others say also that human beings were once aquatic, hence their hairlessness. Tangaroa changes regularly into a green lizard, signifying fine weather. He only needs to breath once in 24 hours, so huge is he (this breathing explains the tidal movement).

Also to Finkdaddy. I thank you and appreciate your sentiment. A lot of what I paint about has an element of emotion attached. It could just be me, but I see that NZ is an interesting place where pain, sorrow and a sense of loss are very much a part of the culture. I tap into that, as well as the more positive aspects. In many ways my paintings are about 'te tangata whenua' (the people of the land).
Ka Kité