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The Manaia is a guardian and protector.
The Manaia is a messenger and spiritual kaitiaki (guardian) of the sky, earth and sea.A greatly respected mythological creature in Māori culture, it brings balance and protection to those you love most.
James Pirika
The artist behind this creationJames is an emerging pounamu carver whose journey began in the Mountain Jade Studio after finishing high school. With a talent for storytelling through his art, his path has been one of exploration, growth, and a deep connection to his culture.
After spending seven years honing his craft within the walls of our studio and learning the foundations of carving from Tamaora Walker, James felt the pull of the wider world, embarking on a four-year hiatus, eager to soak up diverse experiences and perspectives. This time away from carving moulded him, shaping his perspectives and outlook on life and growing his collection of stories to tell.
What Manaia traditionally meant to Māori remains somewhat a mystery, but commonly it is considered that they are magical creatures and spiritual kaitiaki (guardians) of things worth protecting.
Manaia
Believed to be a messenger that moves freely between the spirit realm and the human world, the manaia is a mythological creature, greatly respected in Māori culture and a predominant motif in wood and greenstone carving. Māori culture is rich in pūrākau (legends), and within these legends, mythological, supernatural, and magical creatures are featured prominently, often acting as kaitiaki (guardians) of people or places worth protecting.