Nga-puhi northern Manaia with Tuatara patterns.
The Manaia is the most widely used and developed element in Mäori art. It is presented and contorted in innumerable ways, twisting and taking on an infinite variety of forms and filling an infinite variety of spaces. Yet the eye must always be present.
One interpretation of Manaia is that it is derived from the word mana (authority, influence, jurisdiction, and prestige). Manaia can mean to contain mana, or to cause something to have mana.
The Manaia is described in many ways. The word doubles as the word for lizard and some say it is a beaked and ornamental figure. Others say its origins are in the human profile, or that the Manaia relates to a distant avian (bird) cult. The bird is thought to be an omen-carrier or intermediary between man and the spirits.
Hand crafted in New Zealand by one of New Zealand's leading carvers. This carving has been smoked with honey which enhances the natural bone texture.
This is a unique one off piece carved from a piece of Sperm Whale jaw bone. This Sperm Whale washed up on the shores of New Zealand.
Recommended to serious collectors.
If you would like a carving made to your own design please email us the details and we will give you a price.
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