An incredible Manaia handcrafted from a stunning bright piece of Kawakawa Pounamu. The design of this carving is so unique with the incorporation of a Toki and a wonderful depiction of the traditional Manaia. This is a true taonga from an exceptional carver.
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.
Toki- Adze – The Toki had much meaning for Māori, fashioned from stone or greenstone it was an essential tool for survival and day to day life for Māori. That is the reason Māori attribute the spiritual meaning of strength and power to the Toki.This symbol represents Mana, determination, self-control, strength, focus and honour.
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 for jewellery purposes.
Hand Carved by Luke Leaf
Size 75mm long x 34mm 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.
