A gorgeous Manaia (Guardian) pendant carved from Kawakawa Pounamu - the Greenstone here has an even and deep tone across the piece, and the carver has inscribed Unaunahi pattering across the belly of the Manaia - a wonderful taonga.
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.
Unaunahi- a pattern in te ao Māori, characterised by repeating crescent shapes or fish scales, signifies abundance, prosperity and health, particularly in relation to the ocean and its resources. It represents the connection between Māori and the sea, their reliance on it for sustenance, and their spiritual connection to Tangaroa, the god of the sea.
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.
Carved by Kaleb Schad
Size 66mm long 36mm wide x 11mm 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.
