Taonga - Meanings

I wear a bone carving given to me by my best friend Jayne at my 30th b'day. It represents the mythical beings of the same name. Its called a Manaia. It is considered guardians against evil. As you wear it, the milky white colour disappears and the oils from your body soaks into the peice. It becomes a part of you taking in some of your spirituality or essence and thus truly becoming a part of you. If it is worn with respect or given and received with love, it takes on part of the spirit of those who have it. In this way it becomes a spiritual link between that who gave it to you and the one who wears it. I have given away a couple of Taonga (treasures from the heart) to friends that will always be apart of my life. One is the fish (na ika) The ocean has always been a dominant force for the Maori people who travel long distances. They have great respect for the creatures on this earth. The whale were treasured as gifts from the gods. With its great size and obvious intelligence played an impact part of the Maori people. It is a symbol of harmony and friendship. It also represents the guardian of those that travel afar.

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