This is a fantastic Manta Ray handcrafted from a gorgeous piece of Te Tau Ihu Nelson Jade Pounamu. A beautiful carving from stone full of features and character, streaks and grain - a treasured taonga to last a lifetime and longer. (The carver has hidden his initials behind the tail fin for a lucky owner to find.)
Manta Ray
is respected as a powerful protector of the deep. Its unusual shape and the way it seems to glide out of the blackness gives it a very spiritual power, which it is in some areas believed to allow it to move between the mortal and spiritual realms at will. In certain areas of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Whai is believed to be Kaitiaki – Protector. They are often seen gliding effortlessly through the water at the beach, yet when they are startled or threatened their response can be quick, powerful.
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 Tim Steel
Size 72mm long x 68mm wide 9.5mm 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.
