This piece is a contemporary interpretation of the Manaia, a form traditionally understood as a spiritual guardian. Rather than following strict traditional lines, the carving moves freely its shape flowing, folding, and connecting in an almost sculptural rhythm.
The open spaces and interwoven curves give the piece a sense of movement and balance, allowing light to pass through and around it. From every angle, the form shifts, revealing new lines and relationships within the carving.
The Manaia is often associated with protection, guidance, and connection between realms. In this modern expression, those meanings remain, but are carried through a more fluid, artistic language less defined, yet deeply intentional.
The pāua detail
anchors the piece, bringing a focal point of colour and life. It introduces a sense of awareness, as if the piece itself is observing, holding presence.
Carved in Kawakawa Pounamu, known for its strength and grounding qualities, this piece becomes more than adornment. It is a wearable sculpture
— a balance of tradition and contemporary form, designed for those drawn to meaning, but not bound by convention.
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.
Paua
Shell – 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.
Hand Carved by Marshall Johnson
Size 65mm long x 110mm 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.
