If you're looking for a reason to buy something meaningful, and haven't quite made your mind up yet, read our top 10 reasons to gift. From supporting local artists, to the deep meaning associated to the stone.
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Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
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The Manaia is a guardian and protector.
The Manaia is a messenger and spiritual kaitiaki (guardian) of the sky, earth and sea.A greatly respected mythological creature in Māori culture, it brings balance and protection to those you love most.
Kawakawa Stone
The artist behind this creationKawakawa Stone represents the creative collaboration between internationally acclaimed carvers Madelyne Gourdin and Nick Spicer Balme. Situated along the beautiful coastline of Whanganui, New Zealand, their workshop has become a hub of artistic excellence. The duo's extraordinary sculptures and carvings have garnered them prestigious awards and are showcased in galleries and public spaces worldwide. Born in New Zealand, Nick’s love of stone came from a desire to balance life in the modern world while also feeling a deeper sense of connection to his homeland. Being from the other side of the world in France, Mady undertook art studies that led her to stone carving and restoration, before following her passion to New Zealand. Both have received local and international awards and recognition for their work.
What Manaia traditionally meant to Māori remains somewhat a mystery, but commonly it is considered that they are magical creatures and spiritual kaitiaki (guardians) of things worth protecting.
Manaia
Believed to be a messenger that moves freely between the spirit realm and the human world, the manaia is a mythological creature, greatly respected in Māori culture and a predominant motif in wood and greenstone carving. Māori culture is rich in pūrākau (legends), and within these legends, mythological, supernatural, and magical creatures are featured prominently, often acting as kaitiaki (guardians) of people or places worth protecting.