Double Manaia Breastplate - Bone

 This beautiful bone Double Manaia Breastplate is another example of beautiful carving.  The two manaia meet in the middle of the breastplate to form the face of a wheku or carved face, which were traditionally found at the apex of the gable of the wharenui and represented a significant person.

The Manaia represents a guardian that protects and balances.  It is seen as a messenger between the physical and spiritual world, which is why only one side of its face is seen.  It is also depicted with the head of a bird, the body of a man, and the tail of a fish (sometimes looks like a serpent).  These represent the areas to which the manaia protects, over land, over the sea or water, and in the air.  The manaia may have three or four fingers showing, these represent the stages of life, birth, life, death, and the afterlife.

Dimensions: W 35mm x L 85mm