This Manaia carving is crafted from beautiful Kawakawa pounamu, showcasing the deep, rich green tones this stone is known for ranging from a dark, almost black green in low light to vivid, glowing olive green flashes where the light catches the stone's translucent depths. True to Kawakawa's character, the colour shifts and reveals itself differently with movement and light, giving this piece a living, organic quality reminiscent of native kawakawa leaves.
Hung on an adjustable braided cord, this piece carries both traditional symbolism and the unique natural beauty of genuine New Zealand pounamu.
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.
Hand Carved by Thomas Ratima
Size 70mm long x 40mm wide x 5mm 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.
