Bone Manaia Pekapeka Engraved Breastplate - 30mm

Bone Manaia Pekapeka Engraved Breastplate.

This design is called a pekapeka, the Maori name for New Zealand's only native mammal, a bat.

There is conjecture as to whether this ancient design is a bat or entwined native birds, or whether it is simply two entwined Manaia, the design you see in the heads in the carving.

Regardless of what it really is, the design is a guardian symbol, warding off evil.

The heads have paua shell eyes, and the body is intricately surface carved.

The Manaia is one of the more ancient mythical beings with a bird's head and a human form.

It is said to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits.

The Manaia is regarded as a kind deity protecting the people and helping them communicate with ancestors on the other side.

It is also a holder of great spiritual energy and is a guardian against evil.

The Manaia can be seen blended into many Maori designs such as the Matau (Hook) to depict its different powers and its interaction with the spirit or mortal worlds.

Black slip-knot cord.

Size Approx 30 H x 85mm L.

We photograph each piece but a slight colour variation may occur.