About this item: This Hākuwai (Great Eagle) is one of a series of my ‘Te Rau’ Kaitiaki designs which are all based on a circle with a cut out circle within. All have some of these Manaia or spirit faces to depict a particular part of their special attributes. In the birds, as with Hākuwai shown here, the manaia faces acknowledge the gift of flight their hands have been given by the gods.

About Kaitiaki Designs: People throughout the world have recognised that both animate and inanimate beings have a special place in guiding their lives. Be it as star signs, time symbols or as talismen to guide and protect. The special attributes of these beings is recognised as being transferable. Therefore wearing a representation of them is seen as helping the transfer of their powers to the wearer. To Maori, these talismen are known as Kaitiaki.

This design set uses the traditional elements of stylised face profiles or manaia to show a special feature like the gift of flight given to a bird’s wings and also other more recognisable stylised elements.

Material: Bone.