Manawa ora - Hope - breath of life
Dear friend, Kia Ora
This taonga has been named Manawa ora which means Hope. I like that it also has the double meaning of ‘breath of life’.
It is a combination of pounamu with an inlay of bone. Upon the bone is an inlay of opal. The eyes of the bird are made of buffalo horn.
The pounamu is based on the shape of the Tomairaki (Tōmairangi), which is reminiscent of a dew drop. At another level, it symbolises the physical vehicle that each of us possess. In the grand scheme, it is as fleeting as the morning dew.
“Ka patapata iho taku whakaakoranga āno he ua, ka maturuturu iho taku kupu ano he tomairangi (tomairaki), me te ua punehunehu ki runga i te tipu hou.”
This is interpreted to “My teaching drops like rain, my words trickle forth like dew and the misty rain on new shoots”. As such, this is an expression of great wisdom. This poem was gifted to me by the late Kaumātua and Tohonga Na te Upoko Runaka o Te Runaka ki Otautahi o Kai Tahu, Rev’d Maurice Manawaroa Gray MNZM, LTh,JP.
Upon this is a bird. This is a symbol with several layers of meaning. At one level it represents freedom and the inner life of the spirit. It is through the Wairua Tapu that we receive the breath of life. We are more than just physical beings. Therefore, at another level it represents the attainment of true spiritual direction. Being inlayed upon the pounamu shows that it is grounded upon reality.
The eyes are small inlays of buffalo horn. Horns represent mana, leadership and protection. The opal inlay represents the preciousness of this life we have been gifted. Upon the head of the bird is koru. This is the seed of new life.
Tomairaki such as this make a wonderful touch stone as their tactile surface is comforting to rub. Over time, when used in this way, the oils transferred onto this stone will gradually deepen the sheen, complexion, and lustre of this piece.
Dear friend, Kia Ora
This taonga has been named Manawa ora which means Hope. I like that it also has the double meaning of ‘breath of life’.
It is a combination of pounamu with an inlay of bone. Upon the bone is an inlay of opal. The eyes of the bird are made of buffalo horn.
The pounamu is based on the shape of the Tomairaki (Tōmairangi), which is reminiscent of a dew drop. At another level, it symbolises the physical vehicle that each of us possess. In the grand scheme, it is as fleeting as the morning dew.
“Ka patapata iho taku whakaakoranga āno he ua, ka maturuturu iho taku kupu ano he tomairangi (tomairaki), me te ua punehunehu ki runga i te tipu hou.”
This is interpreted to “My teaching drops like rain, my words trickle forth like dew and the misty rain on new shoots”. As such, this is an expression of great wisdom. This poem was gifted to me by the late Kaumātua and Tohonga Na te Upoko Runaka o Te Runaka ki Otautahi o Kai Tahu, Rev’d Maurice Manawaroa Gray MNZM, LTh,JP.
Upon this is a bird. This is a symbol with several layers of meaning. At one level it represents freedom and the inner life of the spirit. It is through the Wairua Tapu that we receive the breath of life. We are more than just physical beings. Therefore, at another level it represents the attainment of true spiritual direction. Being inlayed upon the pounamu shows that it is grounded upon reality.
The eyes are small inlays of buffalo horn. Horns represent mana, leadership and protection. The opal inlay represents the preciousness of this life we have been gifted. Upon the head of the bird is koru. This is the seed of new life.
Tomairaki such as this make a wonderful touch stone as their tactile surface is comforting to rub. Over time, when used in this way, the oils transferred onto this stone will gradually deepen the sheen, complexion, and lustre of this piece.
Dear friend, Kia Ora
This taonga has been named Manawa ora which means Hope. I like that it also has the double meaning of ‘breath of life’.
It is a combination of pounamu with an inlay of bone. Upon the bone is an inlay of opal. The eyes of the bird are made of buffalo horn.
The pounamu is based on the shape of the Tomairaki (Tōmairangi), which is reminiscent of a dew drop. At another level, it symbolises the physical vehicle that each of us possess. In the grand scheme, it is as fleeting as the morning dew.
“Ka patapata iho taku whakaakoranga āno he ua, ka maturuturu iho taku kupu ano he tomairangi (tomairaki), me te ua punehunehu ki runga i te tipu hou.”
This is interpreted to “My teaching drops like rain, my words trickle forth like dew and the misty rain on new shoots”. As such, this is an expression of great wisdom. This poem was gifted to me by the late Kaumātua and Tohonga Na te Upoko Runaka o Te Runaka ki Otautahi o Kai Tahu, Rev’d Maurice Manawaroa Gray MNZM, LTh,JP.
Upon this is a bird. This is a symbol with several layers of meaning. At one level it represents freedom and the inner life of the spirit. It is through the Wairua Tapu that we receive the breath of life. We are more than just physical beings. Therefore, at another level it represents the attainment of true spiritual direction. Being inlayed upon the pounamu shows that it is grounded upon reality.
The eyes are small inlays of buffalo horn. Horns represent mana, leadership and protection. The opal inlay represents the preciousness of this life we have been gifted. Upon the head of the bird is koru. This is the seed of new life.
Tomairaki such as this make a wonderful touch stone as their tactile surface is comforting to rub. Over time, when used in this way, the oils transferred onto this stone will gradually deepen the sheen, complexion, and lustre of this piece.
This carving comes with a certificate of authenticity. I hope you like the carving enjoy the meaning expressed within this creation.
I wish you and your whānau the deepest blessings.
Arohanui
Andrew Doughty
Database Reference: 100-716
