The Medium Framed Manaia by Aeon Giftware is designed and made in Rotorua. Created using a mix of traditional and modern woodworking techniques, this artwork incorporates contemporary design and traditional Māori symbolism.

Offering super fine detail with paua inlay this piece of art is mounted on a lightly toned koru background inside a custom glass covered shadow box frame.

On the rear of the frame you'll find information on manaia as symbols, giving background to the practice of Māori carving and culture. The Medium Framed Manaia pairs contemporary design with traditional values, making this the perfect corporate or personal gift inspired by Aotearoa's Māori heritage.

Manaia, or the guardian spirit, in Māori carving serves as a protector from evil. They normally have the head of a bird representing the sky, the body of a man representing earth, and the tail of a fish representing the sea. Together these are symbolic of harmony and balance between spiritual realms.

Responsibly crafted from plantation grown gaboon using laser technology
Super fine detail and paua inlay
Designed and made in Rotorua by a small, passionate team
Included is background information on the symbols used
Frame measures 13cm x 16cm
Comes attractively boxed, ready to give as a gift

Mike Carlton of Aeon Giftware is of Ngati Whakaue and has affiliations to the Hinemoa Point Marae in Rotorua. Inspired by their Māori heritage, the team at Aeon Giftware are passionate about creating works of art which portray the beauty of Māori carving and design. From their workshop in Rotorua they produce high quality artworks using a combination of traditional and modern woodworking techniques.

This piece is part of a larger range of framed artworks from Aeon Giftware.

This product is also available for purchase in store at Wellington Museum.