The manaia is typically depicted with, head of a bird and the tail of a fish and the body of a man. This piece combines a simple form of the manaia with a koru for the tail, brining together new beginnings and protection.
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Why Choose Pounamu
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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“Absolutely beautiful piece(s). Purchased two of the same design- different cut- for my sons and they fit them so well! Packaging was also gorgeous, and delivery was fast!!”
– Kellie C.
Verified Buyer
19 September 2022
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We consider every element we use, when packing your piece. From sustainable materials to meaningful details such as artist profile cards. We offer a Premium Gift Wrapping service, available at the checkout.
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Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
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Wherever possible we use sustainable packaging.
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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.
Mountain Jade
The artist behind this creationThe team of artists in our Mountain Jade studio are devoted to their craft, passionately hand-carving New Zealand pounamu with love, skill and passion. Each carver has a particular talent brought to the fore through their unique pieces - whether that means specialising in intricate designs or honing the skill and patience required to work with hand tools. Between them, the carvers cut the stone with the grain before it is closely examined or "read" to decide how best to utilise its natural beauty. It is then sliced, marked, trimmed and transformed into pounamu jewellery or sculptures.
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.