Kawakawa Manaia

Kawakawa Manaia - MEME6713

All Pounamu is sacred and highly valued by Ngāi Tahu, the most southern tribe of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Carving this sacred stone has been a cornerstone of our culture for hundreds of years and we are honoured that you have chosen to adorn yourself with this most sacred gift.

The Manaia is usually depicted as having the head of a bird and the body of a man, though it is sometimes depicted as a bird, a serpent, or a human figure in profile. The Manaia is traditionally believed to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits, and its symbol is used as a guard against evil.

Carved by Shaun Gardiner

Length = 70mm

Width = 20mm

Stone type:

Kawakawa

 Waewae Pounamu is proud to be part of the Ngāi Tahu Pounamu authentication system.

All authentic Waewae Pounamu pieces carry a unique traceability barcode that, when entered online, identifies the origin and history of the carving. This system guarantees that the stone has been obtained by legitimate means, and has been treated using appropriate cultural values.

Visit Ngai Tahu Pounamu to trace your piece.