Manaia Jewelry
The manaia jewelry above is approximately 60mm (2 3/8 inches) in length.
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Manaia Jewelry is jewelry featuring the Manaia creature, an ancient mythical being with a bird's head and a human form. Manaia are said to be the messenger between the two worlds; the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits. Manaia are regarded as holders of great spiritual energy and guardians against evil. They can be seen blended into many Maori jewelry designs with subtle differences between tribes.
A piece of Manaia Jewelry worn with respect or given with love is said to take on much of the spirit of the person wears or handles it, and therefore the Manaia jewelry can become a spiritual link between people spanning time and great distance. Manaias that have been worn by family or Maori and Polynesian tribal members over many generations contains the spirit of all of those people and is truly a powerful treasure.
Manaia Jewelry forms an important ancient craft which is not only a form of highly wearable art but also an important historical artifact. This is because their creators had no written language, therefore tribal history and the stories of the gods were kept alive by using fine arts and crafts. Such crafts included everything from basket and cloth-weaving to detailed jewelry carvings in bone, shell and greenstone.
Bone Manaia Jewelry is remarkable for having a very special feel about it, unlike you will ever experience. The bone has a milky white appearance and soft flowing lines, and the Manaia feels soft and warm to the touch, but the finish is like polished glass. The Manaia may seem to blend with your body and become a part of you, especially when worn against the skin. Over time, Manaia Jewelry 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.
NZpacific.com has a number of unique Manaia jewelry designs in bone, greenstone, and the spectacular New Zealand Paua shell.
Every piece of Manaia Jewelry purchased through NZ Pacific is presented with a braided or platted waxed braid cord, along with native flax bag woven to show the traditional styling and beauty of the Manaia. Also supplied is an attractive information sheet telling the meaning of that particular piece of Manaia Jewelry.
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