Bone Hei Matau - by Norman Clark

Beef bone pendant by Norman Clark.

On a waxed nylon cord.  Adjustable length.

Represents strength and good health, good luck and abundance, and gives protection for people travelling over water. Hei Matau are considered to be a good luck charm for anyone with an affinity with the sea.

5.5cm

Hei Matau origins:  

The Hei Matau (fish hook) finds its origins in Maori legend - the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner, Maui, using only a woven line and a hook made from the jawbone of his grandmother. The fish hook denotes the importance of fishing to the Maori and their strong relationship to Tangaroa, the god of the sea. Originally a hook used to catch fish, it slowly became ornamental, particularly when Maori began trading with Europeans.