Pounamu Manaia Breastplate

A pounamu breastplate is a symbol of protection, strength and resilience. It is a protective talisman that is worn over the torso. Te Manaia has the head of a bird, the body of a man, and the tail of a fish, representing the balance between sky, earth and water. Te Manaia as the Guardian Angel, has a special role in the Maori world. It can be described as the unseen light surrounding each individual. Every person on earth has a Guardian Angel.