I've done a couple of manaias lately, one in wood, and one in jade. The wood one is made from a stunning Tawhairaunui (New Zealand red beech) burr (burl). The jade one is made from a stunning piece of highly prized New Zealand Marsden flower jade. Manaias are a traditional Maori design, representing spiritual guardians. They have the head of a bird, the body of a man, and the tail of a fish, so are protectors over sky, earth and sea. They guide and protect you, like a guide sitting on your shoulder. They guide and protect you, like a guide sitting on your shoulder. I'll put up some photos. Hope you like them :-)
