Manaia (Spiritual Guardian)
Provider, Protector over air, waters and land
Browse-only catalog. Each light-catcher is crafted by hand in Ngaio, Wellington. Ring or text J Maroulis to order this piece, inquire about colour combinations, or discuss shipping within NZ.
About This Piece
The manaia is a supernatural being, an iwi guardian to ward off danger and to frighten away intruders. The manaia is generally a bird-like figure representing a spiritual and mythical creature.
The figures are usually depicted in side profile - part in the spiritual world, part in this, with three fingers and three toes on each limb. The serpentine designs produce flowing lines.
A manaia is usually incorporated into an item to symbolise its spiritual guardian. Having two manaia on the one body represents a good luck charm for a special relationship.
