A fabulous Manaia (Guardian) handcrafted from a beautiful rich dark piece of Kawakawa Pounamu. This amazing piece has been delicately carved by one of our master carvers with Paua eyes that truly make this piece extraordinary and a definite collector’s piece. Magnificently displayed on a handmade Rimu wood base
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.
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.
Carved by Des Hetherington
Size - 201mm long x 131mm wide x 18mm thick
Rimu Base – 176mm long x 39mm wide x 48mm high
Total Height - 160mm
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.
