Soft luminous tones define this elegant Inanga pounamu Manaia, displaying smooth apple green colouring with gentle translucency that glows beautifully in natural light. The stone carries a refined clarity, with subtle tonal variations that enhance its depth and individuality. Smoothly polished and visually striking, this piece highlights the delicate beauty and light-filled character that makes Inanga pounamu so highly valued.
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.
Inanga- Pounamu takes its name from a freshwater fish native to New Zealand. It is pale and often transparent, like the young of the Inanga fish. It is pearly white to grey green in colour, and ranges from translucent to quite opaque. It can change colour over time, developing a light olive tint as it ages and oxidises - Highly prized by the Māori and the desired material for making Mere and Patu.
Hand Carved by Ross Crump
Size 57mm long x 39mm wide x 9mm 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.
