A beautifully carved Manaia made from Te Tau Ihu pounamu, often known as Nelson Blue. The stone displays soft blue-green colouring with delicate natural banding and fine mineral speckling that gives the surface depth and character. The Manaia form is traditionally regarded as a spiritual guardian, representing protection and the balance between the earthly and spiritual realms. A carefully set pāua shell eye adds striking contrast and detail, bringing the carving to life. With its smooth polished finish and elegant flowing lines, this piece is a powerful and meaningful taonga.
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.
Pounamu
can benefit the wearer on many levels. Physically Pounamu is a healing crystal. It differs from Jadeite in that it heals all chakras and brings strength to all areas which are weakened in the body. Pounamu has a protective nature. It offers protection when travelling.
Hand Carved by Marshall Johnson
Size 75mm long x 50mm wide 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.
