Manaia Necklace
This manaia necklace is approx. 50mm (2 inches) in length.
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Manaia Necklaces worn or given with respect and love are said to take on much of the spirit of the person wearing or handling the necklace, so the Manaia can become a spiritual link between people spanning time and great distance. Manaias worn by family or Maori and Polynesian tribal members over many generations are said to contain the spirit of all of those people and are considered truly great and powerful treasures.
Manaia Necklace is a piece of jewelry which is not only a form of highly wearable art, but also an important historical artifact. This ancient craft is particularly significant as the creators of the manaia necklace had no written language, so tribal history and stories of the gods were kept alive by using fine arts and crafts, including basket and cloth-weaving as well as detailed carvings in bone, shell and greenstone.
The Manaia is an ancient mythical being, with a birds head and human form. The Manaia is said to be the messenger between 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 designs with subtle differences between tribes.
Bone Manaia Necklaces are remarkable for having a very special feel about them, unlike anything else ever experienced. Bone has a milky and white appearance, as well as soft flowing lines, so the Manaia Necklace often feels soft and warm to the touch, but the finish is like polished glass. Manaia Necklaces may seem to blend with your body and become a part of you, particularly when worn against the skin. Given time, Manaia Necklaces will tend to absorb oils from your skin, changing colours to a very light honey gold. Many New Zealand Maori and Polynesians believe this to be the manaia necklace taking on the wearer's spirituality and essence, therefore truly becoming a part of the wearer.
Our master hand-carvers at NZpacific.com also offer a number of unique designs in bone, greenstone, and beautiful Paua shell.
Every Manaia Necklace 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 Necklace. Also supplied is an attractive information sheet telling the meaning of that particular Manaia Necklace.
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