If you're looking for a reason to buy something meaningful, and haven't quite made your mind up yet, here are some reasons to gift. From supporting local artists, to the deep meaning associated to the stone.
Every piece is one-of-a-kind
Our pieces are handcrafted with love
A gift that will last
Forever connected with a loved one
Supporting local artists
Our Promise
Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
Sustainable packaging
Wherever possible we use sustainable packaging.
Gift wrapping
We offer a Premium Gift Wrapping service.
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On all domestic orders.
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.
Gift, with love
Every detail of our packaging is thoughtfully curated, from sustainable, low-ink, recyclable materials to personalised touches like mini-meaning cards and artist profiles. For an extra special touch, our Premium Gift Wrapping service means we wrap your piece in elegant kraft paper, tied with natural string and a woven jute ribbon.
Judah Ashton
The artist behind this creationJudah is a passionate jade carver based in his stunning home region of Te Tai o Aorere (Tasman Bay). Judah's journey into the craft began at Tai Poutini Polytechnic, where he studied hard stone and jade carving under the supportive mentorship of James Washer and Sheree Warren. His studies allowed him to explore his love for art while learning the intricacies of carving and mastering skills that have helped shape his unique artistic voice.
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.