The Manaia is a mythological creature in Māori culture, and is a common motif in Māori carving and jewellery. The Manaia is usually depicted as having the head of a bird, the tail of a fish and the body of a man.

Fatu Feu’u's artworks blend traditional and contemporary elements, incorporating a range of influences from Samoa and Aotearoa. Fa'asamoa, “the Samoan way" is a unifying element of Feu’u's work. It describes the traditional and customary way of life of the Samoan culture. Bestowed with the title of Chief and Orator these two roles, one sacred the other secular, may help to explain the powerful combination of symbolism and narrative that Feu’u brings to his work.

Fatu Feu’u is a noted New Zealand-based Samoan artist. His work has been exhibited widely throughout New Zealand and overseas and is included in several prestigious art collections including Te Papa Tongarewa. Feu’u was appointed an Honorary Officer of New Zealand Order of Merit in 2001, and has been referred to as an elder statesman of Pacific Art.