This symbol ‘Matamuri’ is found woven within my shares and is also my fifth eye and Ta Moko
The kaupapa is below as described by Tipi Weipeihana ~who gifted me with my Ta Moko in 2015. At this time I was still in the process of putting my shattered life back together. Unable to ignore the call of my tīpuna and integrating the ancient memories that were processing through me and my body, as well as the emerging energies that wished to be birthed through me.
Tipi’s words from 2015 are below:
“’Matamuri’ – for Gabrielle. The unseen eye that now watches from behind.
It features her 4 younger siblings and also represents her 2 turanga waewae of Mohaka and Nuhaka through her nanny and koro.
In the middle is Fatu Manawa, the hearts eye that sees and feels emotions.
Tena koe Gabrielle. It was a pleasure to meet you (and your nanny – wink wink). Kia pai te haere e hika. Travel safe and take care.
Nga mihi nui,
Tipi” .
There are many reasons that this experience and these words are and were so special to me. Matamuri a part of me, my lineage, my family and my deep sacred heart. I have written before about the whatumānawa and the role this space plays in RomiRomi work, Tipi tapped into that aspect without me even speaking to him about it.
As we spoke Tipi shared, this eye is looking back into the past, through my whakapapa ~ lineage, so I can look forward to the future.
Doing work that is so closely linked to my lineage and essence is a privilege. Yet sometimes it can be a vulnerable space to work in. So in sharing this, I deeply thank all of those who walk this path with me, allowing me to find my space, my way, my gift. The space where I follow the ancient and emerging. The space where I am Māori and white, the space where I am a healer and I also know that is merely a role I play. That the energies working through me gift me with so much, and yet they are paradoxical and chaos bringing at times.
Yet I want to acknowledge that this symbol is not a logo, it is my calling, my lineage ~ whakapapa & kaupare ~ protection, all rolled into one.
Lastly, thank-you to my Mama who suggested that I explore using this image for my work. Your continual pings of insight make what I do so much more than it would be without you.
Whakamanatia, in our empowered uprising,
Gabrielle