Archaic form Flower Jade Manaia

Description

The figure here is probably one of the earlier forms for the Manaia, the Manaia representing the seahorse. A very mystical and mysterious creature to pre-European Maori, it was even granted a Tapu status (Sacred). Manaia could also be personified as a Taniwha or water monster, a guardian representing balance and protection – sky, land and sea. This particular piece is double-sided where as most pendants are single-sided, the reason for this was the carver thought it was too beautiful not to utilise it’s full potential. Very rarely do we get Marsden Valley Jade of this quality and translucency which is AAA grade nephrite. Notice the red sealing wax use to set the Paua shell/Abalone eye inlays, this is a contemporary idea adopted during first contact period with Europeans, it replaced tree resin and most likely an Ochre composite. This shows Maori keenness to incorporate foreign mediums with their own traditional, in the creation of their work.