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 is a wonderful, finely carved Manaia with hook and whale tail pendant. It is hand carved by Andrew Doughty and we will ship it to you free anywhere in the world. Hand made from bone and delivered to you with an adjustable brown cord. Packaged in a woven kete pouch.This is a wonderful, finely carved Manaia with hook and whale tail pendant. It is hand carved by Andrew Doughty and we will ship it to you free anywhere in the world. Hand made from bone and delivered to you with an adjustable brown cord. Packaged in a woven kete pouch.
    NZ Pacific
    TOA
    TOA - To be Victorious Hand carved by Andrew Doughty. In the artists words below... This Manaia Hook is named Toa, which means to be victorious. This style of hook can be traced back to the Māori mythological origins of New Zealand where it...
    $448.00 AUD
    $448.00 AUD
  • This is a wonderful pendant carved from Deer Antler. Hand made by Anthony Bray-Heta. Order yours now on NZ Pacific at www.nzpacific.comThis is a wonderful pendant carved from Deer Antler. Hand made by Anthony Bray-Heta. Order yours now on NZ Pacific at www.nzpacific.com
    NZ Pacific
    TRADITION
    A bold hei-matau/manaia carved in deer antler. This matau is a lovely fusion of the matau (hook) and the manaia. It is a wonderfully crafted piece carved in a nice dense piece of antler - with its typical interesting patina. This is a very...
    $749.00 AUD
    $749.00 AUD

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