Carved Manaia
The carved manaia above is approximately 60mm (2 3/8 inches) in length.
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Carved Manaia are part of the important ancient crafts from New Zealand and Maori people, which is not only a unique form of wearable art, but also an important historical artifact as their creators had no written language, therefore tribal history and the stories of the gods were kept alive by using carved crafts. These included everything from basket and cloth-weaving to detailed carved manaia in bone, shell and greenstone.
A Carved Manaia is an ancient mythical being with the head of a bird and the body of a human. The ancient Carved Manaia is said to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits. Carved Manaia are therefore regarded as holders of great spiritual energy and guardians against evil. Manaia can be seen blended into many Maori designs with subtle differences carved between tribes.
A Manaia worn with respect, or given or received with love, is said to take on much of the spirit of the person wears or handles it, and therefore the carved Manaia can become a spiritual link between people spanning time & distance. Carved Bone Manaias worn by family or Maori and Polynesian tribal members over many generations contain the spirit of all of those people and are truly a powerful treasures.
Our master hand carvers from NZpacific.com also have a number of unique Manaia designs in bone, greenstone, and beautiful Paua shell. Bone Jewellery is remarkable as it has a very special feel about it quite unlike anything else ever experienced. The hand-carved bone has a milky white appearance and soft flowing lines, and the Carved Manaia feels soft and warm to the touch, but the finish is like polished glass. Manaias may seem to blend with your body and become a part of you, especially when worn against the skin. Over time, Manaias made from bone will absorb oils from your skin and change colour to a very light honey gold - many New Zealand Maori and Polynesians believe this to be the manaia taking on some of your spirituality or essence, truly becoming a part of the wearer.
Carved Manaia purchased through NZ Pacific are presented with a braided or platted waxed braid cord, and with a native flax bag woven to show the traditional styling and beauty of the Carved Manaia. Also supplied is an attractive information sheet telling the meaning of that particular Manaia.
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