This pekapeka manaia necklace is made from genuine NZ greenstone, pounamu.
Carved as a breastplate, it is a large necklace measuring approximately 10cm (4') wide.
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 there are scales carved into the bodies, as you see in a Manaia.
The necklace hangs from a long plaited cord with adjustable knots.
Shipped worldwide from New Zealand.
