Manaia Taurite

This exquisite pounamu pendant is the result of a customer’s commission, who had a unique vision for a minimalist design that evoked balance. The pendant takes the form of a Manaia, with a strikingly abstract twist, featuring curves that are alluring, and a design that exhibits satisfying symmetry, drawing the eye in. Carved from Marsden Jade, this piece boasts delicate flower patterning that is commonly found in this type of stone, adding to its intricate design.

Although this pendant is designed to be worn, the customer who commissioned it expressed a desire to personally bind and attach the necklace. Therefore, my role in the creation of this piece ended with the completion of the carving.

The Manaia is a highly significant and powerful symbol in Māori culture. This spiritual creature is a hybrid of a bird, a serpent, and a human figure, and is often depicted with wings, a beak or a bird-like head, and the tail of a fish or a serpent. The Manaia is said to be a messenger between the physical and spiritual realms, and is associated with protection, guidance, and spiritual power. It is believed to have the ability to ward off evil and to protect against harm, making it a popular motif in Māori art and carving. The Manaia is also associated with the natural world and is often depicted in connection with the ocean, the land, and the sky. Its powerful and mystical nature continues to be revered and celebrated by Māori people today.

For those interested in the creative process behind this stunning piece, here is a glimpse into the steps taken to bring it to life. The aboveimages showcase several stages, beginning with the initial shaping of the raw pounamu and progressing through to the refining of this Manaia’s distinctive form. As the carving takes shape, it is sanded and smoothed to a flawless finish, revealing the intricate details that make this pendant truly exceptional. Finally, after a long time of focused attention and skillful craftsmanship, the piece is complete and polished to a gleaming finish, showcasing the beauty of the Marsden Jade and the careful attention to detail that went into its creation.