Te Manaia Standing Artwork in MADINZ Presentation Box

The guardian spirit (a supernatural being) plays an important role in the Maori world. To the Maori, every person on earth has a Guardian Spirit which can be described as an unseen light surrounding each individual.

During life, the guardian is a protector from evil and untimely accident.
Te Manaia are usually depicted in side profile symbolizing their role as messengers (i.e. part in the spit world and part in the earthly world).

They normally have the head of a bird (sky), the body of a man (earth) and the tail of a fish (sea) symbolic of the spiritual balance they have between the realms.
The three fingers and toes have varied tribal meanings. To some, they represent birth, life and death, to others, they represent the three baskets of knowledge and yet to others, faith, hope and love. Sometimes, Te Manaia is depicted with a fourth finger symbolizing the afterlife.
 
The Manaia is an Iwi Spiritual Guardian, Provider and Protector over the air, waters and land.
 
This Standing Manaia artwork was crafted from plantation grown gaboon using laser technology and hand-assembled. This single-sided piece of art boasts super fine detail, paua inlay and comes complete with stylish black base.
 
Measuring H31 x W14cm
 
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