Manaia Porotiti

Bone Manaia Porotiti. A traditional Māori musical instrument

Size (mm): 80 H x 35 W

The Porotiti is a disc with a cord looping through two holes. It is played by looping the cord around the hands then twirling it a little to start it spinning. By applying alternate pressure then relaxing the cord each time the disc untwines, a soft humming sound is created. Then by carefully blowing gently on its vanes, it starts to sing and create its own songs. It is considered to be a healing disc, played above sleeping babies to break up mucus in blocked noses and ears.

This bone carving is a beautiful piece of Māori jewelry. The carving is double sided so that it increases the volume of the sound. Can be worn around your neck as a pendant. Supplied loose in a cellophane bag. Each piece is individually carved so slight variations can occur.

The Manaia is a symbol of protection and acts as a guardian against evil.

Introduction to the Manaia Porotiti

The Manaia Porotiti is a distinctive and spiritually significant piece of Māori artistry. Combining two important Māori symbols—the Manaia, a guardian figure, and the Porotiti, a traditional spinning disc—this pendant embodies protection, balance, and connection to the spiritual realm.

Handcrafted by skilled Māori artisans, the Manaia Porotiti serves as both a beautiful cultural artifact and a powerful talisman, offering spiritual guidance and safeguarding the wearer.

Cultural Significance of Manaia and Porotiti

The Manaia is a mythological guardian often depicted with a bird’s head, human body, and fish tail. It acts as a spiritual protector, guiding individuals and warding off evil influences. The Manaia represents the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, providing balance and guardianship.

The Porotiti is a traditional Māori spinning disc, symbolizing movement, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life. It reflects the ever-changing journey of existence, the flow of energy, and the connection between past, present, and future.

Together, the Manaia Porotiti combines protection with the dynamic energy of life’s cycles, making it a potent symbol of spiritual strength and continuity.

Craftsmanship and Design

Each Manaia Porotiti pendant is carefully handcrafted by expert Māori carvers, preserving traditional techniques and cultural integrity. Crafted from high-quality materials such as bone or greenstone (pounamu), the pendant features detailed carving that highlights the distinctive forms of both the Manaia figure and the Porotiti disc.

The intricate design balances the flowing curves of the Manaia with the symmetrical shape of the Porotiti, creating a visually captivating and culturally rich piece. The pendant is polished for a smooth finish, making it comfortable to wear and a striking cultural statement.

Symbolism and Meaning

The Manaia Porotiti symbolizes spiritual protection, transformation, balance, and ancestral connection. The guardian Manaia offers guidance and safety from harm, while the Porotiti embodies life’s continuous movement and evolution.

Wearing this pendant serves as a reminder of one’s spiritual journey, the importance of harmony between realms, and the enduring strength of ancestral wisdom. It acts as a talisman to navigate life’s changes with grace and resilience.

Uses and Versatility

The Manaia Porotiti pendant is versatile, suitable for daily wear, cultural ceremonies, or as a cherished gift. Its deep symbolism and elegant design make it a treasured accessory for those connected to Māori heritage or those seeking spiritual protection and guidance.

Why Choose the Manaia Porotiti?

1. Cultural Significance: Combines the protective Manaia figure with the transformative Porotiti symbol.
   
2. Artisan Craftsmanship: Hand-carved by skilled Māori artisans using traditional methods.
   
3. Meaningful Symbolism: Represents guardianship, spiritual balance, and life’s cyclical nature.
   
4. Elegant Design: Intricate carving and polished finish create a striking cultural piece.
   
5. Versatile Wear: Suitable for everyday use, special occasions, or as a meaningful gift.
   

Conclusion

The Manaia Porotiti pendant is a profound expression of Māori spirituality, culture, and artistry. Its unique combination of guardian and life-cycle symbols offers the wearer protection, guidance, and a connection to ancestral wisdom. Handcrafted with care and cultural respect, this pendant is a timeless talisman that honors the enduring spirit of Māori tradition.