In the Māori and other Polynesian cultures, a manaia is a mythological creature and is often depicted in greenstone, wood or bone carving often worn on jewelry.
The Manaia is traditionally believed to be the messenger of the spirt world, and its symbol is used as a guardian to protect against evil.
Example of Manaia Bone Carving - link below
In this form on the tattoo, it is represented as a figure eight shape, the upper half culminating in a bird-like beak, the body/hand of a man and the tail of a fish. Guardian of air, land and sea. My wonderful tattoo artist ( Brent at Native Flesh Tattoo in Hilo, Hawaii) free handed my tattoo and even added a spiral representing the silver fern of New Zealand. The Spiral representing "KORU" new life, rebirth, strength, enlightenment and creation.
I was born in Auckland, New Zealand and this tattoo has so many symbolic meanings to me as well as the culture of New Zealand. I were it with pride for some of my heritage and cant wait to learn more.
I would love to hear if anyone has any experience with symbolism in their own culture or if you know anything about New Zealand. Please share!!
Can you pronounce me ...
"Toitu te marae a Tane, Toitu te marae a Tangaroa, Toitu te iwi"
If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.
"Kiakaha, kia māia, kia manawanui"
Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.
- wikipedia
Native Flesh Website -Hilo Hawaii
https://nativefleshtattoo.crevado.com/
https://nativefleshtattoo.crevado.com/brentfostertattoo
Bone Carving Website
https://boneart.co.nz/products/bone-flamed-manaia-255x