Te Ika Aroha – Manaia

Te Ika Aroha, meaning The Fish of Love, carries a name that reflects care, guardianship, and deep connection. This Manaia was carved from a very special piece of Pounamu brought to me by its owner. It already held great personal significance, and my task was to shape it into something that honoured that connection while working within the limits of a thin and delicate piece of stone.

At just 65mm long, the Manaia has a graceful, compact form. The client requested that the eye be made from whale bone, a material that pairs beautifully with Pounamu and symbolises the bond between sea and land. The contrast of the pale whale bone against the deep green stone gives life to the Manaia’s gaze, a reminder of protection and guardianship.

When held to the light, fine translucent areas reveal deep green veins flowing through the upper curve — a natural mark of the stone’s mana and beauty. The Manaia form itself represents balance between the spiritual and physical worlds, serving as a guardian that watches over its wearer.

This piece, carved from stone already treasured by its owner, symbolises connection — between past and present, between person and taonga, and between the natural world and those who respect it. It was a privilege to bring this form to life and to preserve the story already carried within the Pounamu.