This is an ORIGINAL Drawing(not a print), signed and dated. My Raven/Crow Drawings Series in Black with a touch of Soft Pastels. PLEASE NOTE THAT IS NOT AN ACEO. IS 4.0" X 6.0" THE RAVEN/CROW IS WATCHING THE BEAUTIFUL PANIA OF THE REEF STATUE. THIS IS A REVISED DRAWING. ADDED MORE COLOR IN THE SKY, AND HER BODY HAS GOLD GLITTER AROUND, THAT YOU CAN'T SEE IN THE PICTURE. In Mâori mythology, Pania of the Reef was a beautiful maiden who lived in the sea on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. By daylight she swam about with creatures of her reef world but after sunset would go to a stream that ran into the bay where the city of Napier now exists. She would travel up the stream to an area where she could rest among the flax bushes. Karitoki, the very handsome son of a Mâori chief, quenched his thirst every evening at the stream where Pania rested because it had the sweetest water. He was unaware she was observing him for many weeks until one night she whispered a faint spell. It carried on the wind to Karitoki who turned around to see Pania emerge from her hiding place. Karitoki had never seen someone so beautiful and instantly fell in love. Pania fell in love also, and they pledged their lives to each other and were secretly married. Pania and Karitoki went to his whare (house), but because it was dark no-one saw them enter. At sunrise, Pania prepared to leave but Karitoki tried to stop her. She explained that as a creature of the ocean, when the sirens of the sea called her each morning, she could not survive if she did not go to them. She promised to return every evening and their marriage continued on that basis. Karitoki boasted to his friends about his beautiful wife, but no one believed him because they had never seen her. Frustrated by this, Karitoki consulted a kaumatua (wise elder) in the village who believed Karitoki as he knew ocean maidens did exist. The kaumatua told Karitoki that being a sea creature, Pania would not be allowed to return to the sea if she swallowed cooked food. That night, as Pania slept, Karitoki took a morsel of cooked food and put it in Pania's mouth. As he did so, Ruru the morepork (owl) called a loud warning and Pania was startled from her sleep. Horrified that Karitoki had put her life in jeopardy, Pania fled from the whare and ran to the sea. Her people came to the surface and drew her down into the depths as Karitoki swam frantically about the ocean looking for her. He never saw her again. When people now look deep into the water over the reef, some say they can see Pania with arms outstretched, appealing to her former lover. It is unknown whether she is imploring him to explain his treachery, or expressing her continuing love. The sea off Napier is now protected by Moremore, the son of Pania and Karitoki. He is the kaitiaki (guardian) of the area, a taniwha (spirit) who often disguises himself as a shark, a stingray or an octopus. I always look for details in my drawings, or paintings. The photo shown does not show exactly the real colors of an artwork. Colors may vary slightly due to the photographic process, and individual monitors. The colors you see on your monitor may not accurately reflect the actual colors. Each drawing is sprayed with Fixatif, to prevent smudging and wrinkling. Used Artagain/Strathmore 60lbs. paper with Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils/Soft Pastels. SOFT PASTEL INFORMATION IMPORTANT: This drawing has been sprayed with fixative, however some smudging may occur, please handle with care and avoid touching the surface directly. I recommend framing under glass and keeping away from direct sunlight.