Manaia

Guide ~ Protect ~ Communicate

The Māori people have many legends about the creation of the earth and how New Zealand was discovered. These legends include a number of mythical beings, some of whom have control over each of the elements while others belong to the realm of ancestral spirits.

The Manaia can be blended into many Maori designs with subtle differences between tribes.  Most Maori art tells the story of a tribe or event. The Manaia therefore has many forms as it is intertwined with other shapes and patterns to depict its different powers and its interaction with the spirit or mortal worlds.

The Manaia is regarded as a kind deity that protects people and helps them communicate with their ancestors. It is regarded as a mythical being with a bird’s head a human body and fish tail. It is believed to be the invisible light, or aura, surrounding a person.

Manaia are considered the messenger between the Gods and mortals. In Māori culture the bird is thought to be an omen-carrier or intermediary between man and the spirits. Often they are carved with three fingers which are believed to represent birth, life and death. The Manaia is seen as the guide that leads the spirits to heaven. 

They are worn to guide and protect.

Manaia carvings are often detailed and intricately carved - they are very beautiful.

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  • This picture shows a contemporary manaia with hook pendant. The cord colour is khaki and it is length adjustable. This is a very beautiful piece of art to wear.This picture shows a contemporary manaia with hook pendant. The cord colour is khaki and it is length adjustable. This is a very beautiful piece of art to wear.
    NZ Pacific
    TWO WORLDS
    TWO WORLDS - New Zealand Marsden jade manaia What sets this piece apart is the contemporary shape and clever use of the stone. It displays a range of colour that pounamu is renowned for and it is well displayed in this piece. We particularly...
    $955.00 NZD
    $955.00 NZD
  • New Zealand Koru Manaia. Hand carved koropepe pendant. Made in New Zealand. Real Jade, pounamu.New Zealand Koru Manaia. Hand carved koropepe pendant. Made in New Zealand. Real Jade, pounamu.
    NZ Pacific
    VIOLET GAZE
    VIOLET GAZE - hand carved New Zealand jade Koropepe pendant with Charoite eye inlay Carved for us by Graeme Wylie, this is a wonderfully harmonious and meaningful piece of art made to wear. The body of this piece is carved from beautiful New Zealand...
    $483.00 NZD
    $483.00 NZD
  • New Zealand Koru Manaia. Hand carved small jade koropepe pendant. Made in New Zealand. Real Jade, pounamu. Provided with an adjustable Manuka Green cord and packaged in a woven kete pouch.New Zealand Koru Manaia. Hand carved small jade koropepe pendant. Made in New Zealand. Real Jade, pounamu. Provided with an adjustable Manuka Green cord and packaged in a woven kete pouch.
    NZ Pacific
    WHAKAPAPA
    WHAKAPAPA - Hand Carved Koropepe Pendant in New Zealand Jade. A traditional koropepe - or mythical eel.  The koropepe is a spiritual creature that represents our journey back to the beginning of life. It is believed to represent our “Whakapapa”, or where we come...
    $215.00 NZD
    $215.00 NZD

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