This Koropepe Manaia has been skilfully crafted from a beautiful piece of deep green Kawakawa Flower Pounamu. The piece features a realistic Eel design, with the eel's fin precisely curling into a Koru at the centre. The little fins are subtly detailed near the eye, which is inlaid with Paua Shell to enhance the overall effect of the carving. This taonga exemplifies high-quality craftsmanship.
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.
Eel- Iwi often view tuna as spiritual protectors of rivers, lakes, and waterways. Their presence and abundance serve as a traditional ecological indicator for assessing water quality. Legends explain their origins; one story tells of Tunaroa
(the father of all eels) being cut in half by Māui, with parts becoming freshwater eels, conger eels, and lampreys.
Koru- The Māori word for bright or loop. It refers to the shoots of the silver fern. The circular movement to the inner core refers to "going back to the beginnings". The unfurling frond itself is symbolic for new life, new beginnings, hope, personal growth, purity nurturing, a new phase in life, the spirit of rejuvenation and peace.
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.
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.
Paua Shel
l – Abalone, our Paua shell is rich and deep in iridescent colours unique to New Zealand. Found all around the rocky shoreline coast but grows best in southern waters. Paua shell has been traditionally used by Maori to illuminate the eyes & features of carvings and artwork. While Paua sits within the abalone family, which is found in other parts of the world, namely, South America, Australia, Western North America, and Japan, our Paua's hidden, bright multi-coloured interior shell is only found in New Zealand.
Carved by Dave Curtis
Size 52mm diameter x 8mm 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.
