Manaia Koropeke: Aotea
$400.00
Manaia Koropeke. Aotea Pounamu collected on the West Coast by Kaitiaki. 4.5cm length / width.
The Manaia is a creature of Te Ao Wairua, the spirit world, a kaitiaki of the Mauri Whakatupu o te Taiao, often represented with the head of a bird and the tail of a fish. It is carved on the entrances of wharenui and storehouses where it serves as a protector. The Koropeke form is like an eel curled up, or the frond of a fern leaf furled.
By Emry Kamahi Tahatai Kereru. Adjustable pull cord binding.