Wahine (Silhouette)

Puhi is a term used to describe a young woman — often a daughter — of ariki lineage (high-ranking or chiefly descent). A puhi was considered a woman of great importance, and her wellbeing was protected at all costs. She was regarded as tapu(sacred), carrying immense responsibility as a vessel for the future of her people.

In times of intertribal conflict, the strategic marriage of a puhi to a high-ranking chief from another iwi could forge powerful alliances. These unions were not just personal — they were political acts that secured peace, strengthened whakapapa ties, and ensured prosperity across generations.

The pattern used in the headband is known as Mangotipi — a traditional motif of the Mataatua and Tuhoe tribes. It represents the white pointer shark, a kaitiaki (guardian) revered for its strength, agility, and authority in the ocean. In this context, Mangotipi symbolises leadership, endurance, and the formidable power carried by women of status.