Double Manaia Whalebone

Double Manaia Whalebone Breastplate.

The Manaia is a mythological creature in Māori culture, often depicted with a bird's head, a human body, and a fish's tail. Carved in whale bone, it serves as a powerful spiritual guardian against evil, representing the link between the mortal world and the realm of the spirits.

Whalebone (Paraoa): Whales hold tapu (sacred) significance in Māori mythology. Because they provided the community with invaluable resources, they are viewed as symbols of wealth, power, and abundance, similar in stature to a great chief.

Historically, bone from naturally beached whales was considered a divine gift. Carving these remains preserves the mana (spiritual authority and prestige) of the whale, honoring the animal while passing down a cherished cultural treasure.