This elegant Inanga Pounamu Manaia s
howcases the soft, misty beauty that makes Inanga jade one of the most treasured varieties of New Zealand pounamu. Hand-carved with graceful flowing lines, this Manaia combines traditional Māori symbolism with contemporary craftsmanship.
The stone displays a beautiful blend of deep grey green and smoky blue green tones, gently transitioning into soft olive green highlights that become more noticeable along the outer curves and tail. Throughout the pendant, subtle cloud like variations and natural mineral patterns create depth and movement, ensuring this is a truly one-of-a-kind piece. When viewed in changing light, the polished surface reveals a gentle satin lustre that enhances the richness and character of the 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.
Inanga
– This 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 Ross Crump
Size 60mm long x 35mm wide x 6mm 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.
