Manaia - Pounamu #2

This Pounamu Manaia is carved from Raukaraka, a rare type of pounamu, that can appear a greyish green colour.  It is a very opaque and highly translucent stone that is preferred for carving mere and patu.

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.

Approximate dimensions: W 35mm x L 75 mm