This gorgeous Manaia (Guardian) pendant has been handcrafted from Kawakawa Pounamu - showing the darker tones common to this type of Greenstone, the piece holds a wonderful polish which shows its features at their best.
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.
Carved by Dean Hetherington
Size 72mm long 49mm wide 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.
