This nicely carved Maori hair comb or hair pin (Heru) has a Manaia at the top of two long teeth. The Heru is traditionally worn by Maori men to fasten a top knot or by women as a decorative hair ornament. Intricately hand carved from cow bone with a paua shell eye, its overall length is about 6-1/4". The Manaia is traditionally believed to be a messenger between the earthly realm of mortals and the domain of the spirits, and its symbol is used to guard against evil. Exact length and carved details will vary slightly.