This beautifully handcrafted Kawakawa Pounamu Porohita Manaia combines two powerful Māori symbols into one meaningful taonga. The Porohita (circle) represents the endless cycle of life, unity, and the unbreakable connections we share, while the Manaia is regarded as a spiritual guardian, offering protection, guidance, and safe passage through life's journey.
Expertly carved from genuine Kawakawa Pounamu, this pendant displays deep forest green tones with natural variations unique to every piece. A genuine Pāua shell eye adds a vibrant flash of iridescent colour, bringing the Manaia to life and symbolising awareness, intuition, and a watchful spirit.
The circular form reminds us that every ending brings a new beginning, while the Manaia stands as a guardian over the wearer, offering strength, wisdom, and protection. Together they create a striking piece that celebrates balance, resilience, and connection to both ancestors and the natural world.
Whether chosen as a personal keepsake or gifted to someone embarking on a new chapter, this handcrafted pendant carries a timeless story that can be treasured for generations.
Each piece is individually carved from natural New Zealand Pounamu, ensuring no two pendants are ever exactly alike.
Porohita/The Disc - Represents the circle of life which has no beginning or end. It means you have a choice to do and achieve whatever you want to in life. Its curved lines also represent the idea of energy and movement and like the cyclical nature of time and seasons, where one path ends, another begins. The Disc is also believed to have protective qualities and can symbolize a shield or a boundary that keeps negative influences and harm at bay.
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 42mm dia 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.
