A stunning handcrafted Hei Tiki with a Manaia head from a gorgeous piece of Kawakawa Greenstone. A tiki with a manaia head in Māori carving is a powerful symbol combining the Tiki, representing the first man and a symbol of protection and fertility, with the Manaia, a spiritual guardian typically depicted as a mythical creature with the head of a bird, the body of a human, and the tail of a fish. This combination merges the protective and fertility aspects of the Tiki with the spiritual guardianship and connection between the sky, earth, and sea that the Manaia embodies. This will be a fabulous taonga.
Hei Tiki- According to legends Tiki was the first man on Earth who originated from the stars. The first mortal person who created the first woman after his image. The exact meaning of the Tiki is disputed. There are several opinions but the most accepted are that the Tiki stands for fertility. Traditionally regarded as a good luck charm meant to keep evil spirits away.
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 and the tail of a fish and the body of a man, though it is sometimes depicted as a bird, a serpent, or a human figure in profile. The Manaia is traditionally believed to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits, and its symbol is used as a guardian against evil.
Kawakawa- is the most common variety of Pounamu. it comes in many shades - from strong, rich green to dark green - and often has small dark flecks, which add to its character. Named after the leaf of the Kawakawa. It is the main type used in gem purposes.
Hand Carved by Moko Workshop
Size 91mm long x 52mm wide
This will be the exact piece you will receive in the photos, there may be a slight degree of colour variation based on different computer or device screen resolutions that you are viewing from.
