Mana

Amber Jean Hornsby

Mana is defined in the dictionary as authority, control, influence, prestige, power and honour.
An important part of New Zealand Maori culture is Mana. It is a spiritual quality considered to have supernatural origin – a sacred impersonal force existing in the universe. Therefore to have mana is to have influence and authority, and efficacy, the power to perform in a given situation.This poster typographically explores both the meaning of Mana and the patterns of a traditional feathered Maori cloak worn by those with authority. The main font used shows hierarchy, boldness and power. The type placed on top of the type also reflects this. The strong bold geometric shapes replicate the patterns often found a Maori cloak and the secondary text and use of rules furthermore alludes to the feathers that dangle at the bottom.
The colours used within this poster are more contemporary than the customary black, red and white Maori colours. They are inspired by the earthy rich tones of a feathered cloak. The dominant colour purple is used because of it associations with nobility and spirituality.

Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
Second Semester Year three