This Koropepe Manaia (Guardian) is hand carved from Kawakawa Flower Pounamu, with dark green shifting to sandy and olive tones. The form is clean and expressive, spiraling into a beautifully defined and finished tail. With balanced shaping that brings out the protective qualities of the Manaia and finished with a high polish, the piece carries clarity, depth, and refined character.
Koropepe
is a mythical being in the shape of an eel, (an important food source for pre-European Maori). It also represents that of a grandfather and has a spiritual meaning of guardianship and warding off evil. The Koru, the curling part of this carving, represents an unfurling new fern shoot, new beginnings, hope, personal growth, purity nurturing, a new phase in life, the spirit of rejuvenation and peace, that of a new Mokopuna (grandchild).Together they form a strong spiritual force for good.
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 for jewellery purposes.
Putiputi (Flower) Jade- is New Zealand’s most prized Greenstone, with pale green or ochre clouds of colour. This distinctive patterning and colouring come from the outside rim or 'rind' of the greenstone boulders or stones where the surface has oxidised.
Hand Carved by Luke Gardiner
Size 68mm Long x 50mm wide x 7.5mm thick
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.
