Size: 70mm x 45mm We have 2 variations of this piece to choose from:
Our promise
This piece is carved from New Zealand Pounamu by Hokitika
artist Kyohei Noguchi
Free Shipping
On all orders within NZ. Free for orders over $50 to AU, free over $350 worldwide.
Product Information
Shipping and Delivery Dates
Returns
Loading...
Why Choose Pounamu
If you're looking for a reason to buy something meaningful, and haven't quite made your mind up yet, read our top 10 reasons to gift. From supporting local artists, to the deep meaning associated to the stone.
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.
Free shipping
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.
Kyohei Noguchi
The artist behind this creationKyohei originally hails from Japan but moved to New Zealand with his family at just three months old. His father is a bone carver and as a young child, Kyohei would study the hand-work of his father and make his own pieces to sell at local markets. With a keen eye for detail, Kyohei particularly enjoys the finishing process of each piece. He is always thinking about what needs to
be worked on and what could make the piece better.
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.