Manaia - Pounamu #1 etched is a very large

is a very large

The Wheku is generally found at the gable of the wharenui (maori meeting house) and is regarded as the repository of knowledge and wisdom

but in love

the body of a man (earth) and the tail of a fish (sea) symbolic of the spiritual balance they have between the realms

Manaia - Pounamu #1 etched is a very largeThis Pounamu Manaia is carved from Inanga, a rare type of pounamu, that can appear a greyish green colour. It is a very opaque and highly translucent stone that is preferred for carving mere and patu. The Manaia represents a guardian that protects and balances. It is seen as a messenger between the physical and spiritual world, which is why only one side of its face is seen. It is also depicted with the head of a bird, the body of a man, and the tail