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My Role:

I designed and developed a hyper-realistic Māori MetaHuman as part of an ongoing exploration into the intersection of culture, technology, and digital identity. This digital entity embodies Māori whakapapa (genealogy) and tikanga (customs), demonstrating how AI and digital avatars can be used to represent and empower indigenous identities.

Solution:

Using Epic Games' MetaHuman Creator alongside custom 3D scanning and modeling techniques, I built a digital human infused with Māori cultural principles. The project involved:

• Sculpting lifelike facial features that honor Māori heritage.

• Integrating moko kauae and tā moko with cultural accuracy.

• Ensuring the digital avatar moves and speaks naturally, carrying the depth of te reo Māori.

• Exploring how digital identity can serve as an extension of real-world storytelling, education, and self-representation.

This project is a statement on the evolution of indigenous representation—how digital spaces can be woven with cultural authenticity while advancing future-facing Māori narratives.

Result:

The Māori MetaHuman stands as an example of how tradition and technology can harmoniously coexist. This digital entity can be used for storytelling, virtual performances, cultural education, and preserving whakapapa in a way that connects with younger generations and future audiences. By creating a fully interactive, culturally informed digital human, I am pushing the boundaries of what digital identity can mean for indigenous communities.

This is not just an avatar—it is a bridge between the past, present, and future, carrying forward the mana of Māori identity into the digital realm.

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Photocredits: