First Born (Legendary Polynesian Mermaid) Limited Edition 300 Archival Giclee on Canvas. Pania is the beloved Maori sea maiden of Polynesia, who is destined to fall in love with a human man, the young village chief Karitoku. She resides in the ocean facing the Hukarere cliff base of Napier, In this depiction she is still a young keiki, tenderly embraced by her mother Malina on their clamshell bed. The greedy sea-hag, vicinity taniwha, notoriously steals first-born merchildren. When she comes for Pania, however, taniwha becomes distracted by the lustrous illusion of a perfect giant pearl, birthed magically by the clamshell aumakua-- guardian spirit-- through its tomblike opening below. As Malina holds Pania protectively behind it, taniwha tries repeatedly to grab for the pearl. Being insubstantial, however, her hands swish right through it. Finally, she hives up, and goes grumbling on her way. Malina and Pania share a secret smile. Include a certificate of authenticity, hand signed, and a thoughtfully and authentic rendered explanation of the Polynesian legend.