Manaia Māori hair comb

Description:

Manaia Māori hair comb

The Maori word for comb is 'heru'.

Each heru (Māori comb) features a shapely rimu veneerboard body with head portion decorated both sides with contemporary Māori artwork. These beautiful Māori hair combs boast super fine details and are embellished with paua inlay.

Meanding of manaia

This heru features a manaia; a manaia is a spiritual guardian and protects against evil.

More information about heru:

The heru does not only have a functional purpose as a hair ornament; the heru also embodies deeper spiritual and cultural meanings

• Connection to ancestors: Through traditional designs and materials that link wearers to their tūpuna (ancestors)
• Spiritual protection: Particularly through manaia designs that serve as guardians
• Cultural identity: As tangible expressions of Māori heritage and belonging
• A heru was often passed down through families as taonga (treasures)

Size Manaia heru:
approx. 140mm (3.94") x 45mm (1.77")