Fish Hook Necklaces
Hei matau is the traditional Maori art of carving bone or jade (greenstone) into fish hook designs. The indigenous people of New Zealand, The Maori, wore the Hei matau necklaces as a talisman during their travels.
These highly stylized fish hooks represent strength, determination, good luck, peace, good health, prosperity and are thought to provide a safe passage across water . It is also said hei matau symbolizes the wearer's power and authority.
The art of Maori jade and bone carving has been handed down from generation to generation. Present-day Kiwi artists like David Taylor and Stanley Nathan continue this ancient tradition carving beautiful bone and jade pieces of art.
Hei Matau Necklace
Matau - hook
A well-crafted hook provided the family and community with food. Thus resulting in a family´s increased mana (prestige and power) within the Hapu (part of the tribe).
The fish hook was worn around the neck to ensure it wouldn´t get lost or stolen because it was such a valuable possession.
Hei Matau Meaning
The legend of Maui and the magic fish hook
The creation of the fish hook shaped pendants finds its origin in an old Maori legend:
The legend of Maui and the magic fish hook or Te Ika a Maui (The fish of Maui).
The essence of this legend is that New Zealand's North Island once was a giant fish which was caught by the half god and legendary seafarer Maui using a woven line and his magic bone fish hook.
A look on the map still shows how the shape of the Hawke Bay's coastline resembles a fish hook. More about this legend.
For the Maorii, the hei matau is a cultural treasure (taonga). It also represents their land and their connection to the sea, the importance of fishing and their relationship to Tangaroa, god of the sea.
Maori Hook
Hand made, Maori carved bone and jade pendants
Maori carvings have a history that goes back many centuries. Nowadays manufacturers in India and China mass-produce items resembling hei matau which are sold on the New Zealand tourist market. These practices have attracted criticism for their appropriation of Maori designs.The items showcased on this page are all made in New Zealand. Some of them are genuine Maori carved pieces of which a couple are made by famous (Maori) artists like David Taylor or other stores that support artists.
On the photo right: 'Small double barbed fish-hook of a singular shape, made of bone and carved from ditto [New Zealand].'
from the website of the National Museum of Australia Canberra.
Bone Hei Matau
bone fish hook pendants
Most hei matau are made from bone. Traditionally these hei matau were carved from whale bone and were used for fishing and worn as jewelry. The latter were family heirlooms passed from generation to generation.Nowadays the main function of hei matau is an ornamental one and they are generally made of cattle bone. They are mostly worn as necklace pendants.
According to this Wikipedia article: Some Maori carvers continue to use whale bone, and such pieces are highly valued not only because of the beauty of whale bone and its cultural and historical significance, but also its scarcity.
Current anti whale hunting laws insist Maori bone-carvers who carve in whale bone must use a combination of ancient standings or pre-existing supplies, or bones from whales that have recently beached. According to New Zealand tradition and law, Maori have first claim on part of the (limited amount of) skeletons of any whales which strand and are unable to be refloated.
Click the picture or visit Shop New Zealand for more info and a detailed view
For a collection of bone fish hook pendants priced below $20 click here
Jade (Greenstone) Hei Matau
jade fish hook pendants
Apart from bone the Maori peoples have always used jade to carve their wonderful designs. Jade or greenstone is ornamental stone used as far back as the prehistoric times.Pounamu is the Maori name for New Zealand nephrite jade and is regarded as very precious and durable. It is perceived as a honor to receive. This type of jade is found in rivers on the western side of the South Island. The Maori name for this area is Wai Pounamu, meaning the greenstone water. A few examples of New Zealand jade kiwi carvings:
Click here for more jade and bone hei matau designs.
The Legend of Poutini
about the origin of Pounamu Jade
According to the legend the spiritual force (mana) of pounamu comes from the god Kahue. A sea monster (Taniwha) named Poutini, servant of Kahue, guards the life spirit (mauri) within the treasured stone.
One day Poutini couldn't resist his desires when he saw the beautiful Waitiaki bathing in the sea and kidnapped her. The powerful chief Tamaahua, husband of Waitiaki was able to find the whereabouts of his beloved wife by throwing a magical dart in the air which pointed to her direction.
Every time Poutini had made a fire to warm Waitiaki he noticed they were being followed and moved on. This chase continued across New Zealand (Aotearoa). After a long and cold journey, when Waitiaki begged Poutini to turn around. He decided to do so. When Poutini realized he could lose his captive considering the determination and strength of his enemy, he decided no-one could have Waitiaki.
At night he transformed Waitiaki into pounamu and laid her in the river and fled downstream past the sleeping warrior. The next day Tamaahua found out his opponent had disappeared. He found his young wife cold and lifeless, transformed into stone in the riverbed. Realizing what had happened he went back home, grieving. This is legend about how Waitiaki is the mother of pounamu.
Read the whole legend of Poutini here
Jade and Red Agate Fish Hook Pendants
These hand made jade talismans are symbols of power and authority which are held in great reverence by the Maori people. The red good luck charm is made of red agate. Click the photo for more info, designs, and prices.
New Zealand jade kiwi carvings
Taonga Necklaces
tale telling carvings
Each carving design has specific meanings or stories behind it. Before Western settlers came to New Zealand the Maori had no written language. Therefore, divine tales and tribal history were passed on utilizing numerous forms of fine artistic creations. Examples of these fine arts were complex wood, jade, bone, and shell carvings.
These artifacts were then passed on by generation upon generation of tribal elders and became sanctified objects. These treasures "Taonga" tell the history of a tribe and are thought to adopt the spirits of past great leaders and warriors who had worn them. Upon today it is believed that a carving which is worn with respect or given and received with love, takes on part of the spirit of the wearer.
Photo: Maori woman with Moko (facial tattoo) and traditional Tiki pendant necklace.
(Click Image)
Bone Fish Hook Pendant
Our Price:NZD$109.95
Hand Carved Bone Hook Pendants
with greenstone, paua and stained ornaments
These beautifully designed hei matau are all less than $20. From left to right:
- The first carved Maori bone hook pendant is ornamented with a sliver of greenstone (pounamu). Click here for more info and price.
- The second one is very exclusive because it depicts two overlaid fish hooks. This double hooked hei matau is decoratively carved, and its bottom edges are dressed up with slivers of paua shell. Click here for more info and price.
- The third pendant is overlaid with a beautifully carved and stained fish. More info and buying here.
- The Maori fish hook on the left features three koru's and a beautiful paua trim on the lower edge. The koru represents peace, tranquility, personal growth, positive change and new life and harmony. Learn more here.
Spiritual and Mythological Meanings
Hei Matau Taniwha
Taniwha: Maori Tribal Guardian
Taniwha are Maori mythological water monsters that lived in swamps, deep pools, rivers, dark caves, and the sea. Depending on where the taniwha resided its appearance would differ. At sea, these creatures often appeared as whales or a large sharks. In inland waters, they looked more like a gecko or a tuatara, having a row of spines along the back. dragons, octopuses.
Many feared these monsters for their killings and kidnapping of women. but when treated with respect Taniwha would act as guardians.
Each tribe had their own taniwha which were guardians and protector of the tribe.Taniwha would kill opponents of their tribe or kidnap the women to have them as their wifes. The pendant on the photo resembles a taniwha.
The hook on the picture is carved by David Taylor and can be bought here
Tuhirangi the Taniwha (Sea Monster)
the legend of Tuhirangi
The brave navigator Kupe, of whom is said he discovered New Zealand in his canoe, installed one of this taniwha, Tuhirangi, in Cook Strait. Tuhirangi's purpose was to guide and protect seafarers. Later on it was believed he reappeared as the famous dolphin named Pelorus Jack who accompanied ships in these parts of the sea.
Read more short legends on "Taniwha of the sea" on Te Ara ,The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
Taniwha Background Info
Hei Matua Manaia
Manaia: Guardian Spirit
Manaia is a supernatural being, a spiritual guardian dedicated to ward of danger and to frighten away intruders. Manaia has the head of a bird, the body of a man and a fish tail. These symbolize heaven, earth and sea and the balance between these three elements.
The bird is also thought to be an intermediary or omen-carrier between man and the spirits.
Manaia has supernatural powers and protects the wearer against evil. He is capable of preventing early death by accidents. However, there is a fixed time for everyone to go, newborn or very old.
Hei Matua Manaia pendants are usually depicted in side profile. Thus resembling Manaia's existence partly in the spiritual world and partly in this world.
Examples of Manaia Jade Pendants. Click the pictures for more info
These high detailed Manaia bone carvings available at ShopNewZealand
Hei Matau Kaitiaki
Kaitiaki is a New Zealand term used for the Maori concept of guardianship, for the sky, the sea, and the land. A kaitiaki is a guardian, and the process and practices of protecting and looking after the environment are referred to as kaitiakitanga and include ahui and tapu. Read more on Kaitiaki on Wikipedia
This beautiful new carving by Maori artist David Taylor is called Hei Matau Kaitiaki Aihe Maui. As you can see in the bone carving, a dolphin is portrayed.
That dolphin is Maui's Dolphin, the world's smallest (smaller than a human) and rarest dolphin ( less than 150 left in the wild). There's a high threat of this species becoming extinct. Fortunately a ban on set netting (in which the dolphins are easily trapped) is now effective.
Did you know..
- For a while it was thought people have been wearing rudimentary necklaces with rock, animal bone, and shells on string as far back as the stone age. Until recently when archaeologists uncovered neck jewelery dating back to about 75,000 years ago. This implies that even the Neanderthals wore necklaces.
Exclusive Hei Matau
carved by traditional style (Maori) artists
Although opinions differ, personally I prefer authentic fish hook pendants. The unique carving styles reflect the culture, history, ancestral legends and stories of New Zealand's oldest inhabitants. This makes them even more appealing to me than the wonderful designs alone.Are you looking for an authentic Maori fish hook carving which is hand carved by a Maori craftsman? Then the masterpieces of David Taylor might be something for you. Or exquisite hand-made Maori pendants of other artists like:
Len and Candy Kay
Their traditional style work is unbelievably high detailed. See for example the deer antler carved hei matau pair on the right. They are designed to be worn but also make stunning display pieces when mounted in their crown. Click the link for more info and price
Lilach Paul
Her work is also famous for its incredible details. Blending designs from different cultures these works are less traditional in the Maori sense but nevertheless astoundingly beautiful.
More artists soon..
David Taylor Carvings
genuine Maori carved pendants
David Taylor the renowned Maori carver lives in Whangarei, Te Ika a Maui (New Zealand North Island). He has both Scottish and Tarinaki Maori roots of which the last are from strong influence on his art. His work is not only stylish but also meaningful. Below are a few examples of his stunning art pieces. His works are without a doubt my personal favorites.
Most of his works are unique. He commonly makes one piece of a certain design. So mostly these great pendants are sold out really quickly.
- Left: This is also a Kaitiaki (guardian) but more specific a Marakihau or sea monster. In Maori mythology, the Marakihau was a sea creature in human form, but with a long tongue with which it could swallow up canoes and men.
- Mid: a Kahurangi (treasured possession) fish hook design.The purple and blue colors depict the reflection of the dawn.
- right: a mako toroa fish hook pendant. Mako is Maori for shark and Toroa means albatross. The shark stands for guardianship and the albatross for beauty and power.
More David Taylor carved pendants
Traditional Bindings
hard to find, traditionally bound, fish hooks
The examples on the last photo are intricately bound traditional Hei-Matau. Carvings with this kind of exquisite heavy traditional binding and platted hand woven cords with bound loops are usually not offered to the public. They are often worn by Maori warriors during ceremonial dances or greetings.
The simple form and carved bone toggles carry with them an irresistible aura of strength and power. Created by traditional style carver Stanley Nathan these pieces of artwork are are true examples of the ancient craft.
Click the photos for info and buying.
Paua Shell Hei Matau
paua shell fish hook pendants
According to Wikipedia Paua is the Maori name given to three species of large edible sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks which belong to the family Haliotidae (genus Haliotis), known in the USA as abalone, and in the UK as ormer shells.
The items below are made of bone with a touch of Paua shell.
Click here for more info, pictures and buying: Fish Hook Stained Bone & Paua Shell Pendants
Kauri Hei Matau
kauri wood fish hook pendants
40,000 year old Kauri wood is the oldest workable wood on the world. The Kauri tree (Agathis australis) is one of the biggest and longest growing trees on the world. These trees are native to New Zealand and also named Ancient Kauri.
Kauri trees are the country's biggest (not highest) and grow up to 40 to 50 meters. Their trunk diameters rival those of Sequoias. At present day only 150 hectares of the original Kauri forests remain.
Copyright Photo (Wikimedia Commons): James Shook
Since Kauri trees are protected by law the wood is only gathered from swamps. This wood has been buried under ideal circumstances to preserve it for tens of thousands of years. No wonder this wood is very rare, exotic and special.
45,000 Year Old Kauri Hei Matau Carving and Fish Hook Carving
Rimu Hei Matau
rimu wood fish hook pendants
According to Wikipedia: many of New Zealand's original stands of rimu have been destroyed, and recent government policies forbid the felling of rimu in public forests, though allowing limited logging on private land. The inner bark of the Rimu tree is also used to treat burns and cuts.
These two fish hook pendants are made of Rimu wood with inlaid Paua shell pieces.
Australian Black Jade
Rough and still uncut black jade is brown and rusty colored from the outside. When the stone is cut and polished the beautiful black, reflective color emerges.
copyright photo by ColorWright
Australian Black Jade Fish Hook Necklaces
They come with a traditional style bag & cord. Most cords are hand made from black waxed braid with a loop and jade toggle fitted. A woven flax presentation case and information on the meaning of the design is also included.
Click here or on the picture for more designs, prices and buying.
Other Hei Matau
Black, Green & Blue New Zealand Art Glass Fish Hook
Most hei matau are pendants but there are some other purposes like wall art and hei matau on standards.This black, green and blue art glass fish hook is mounted on a crystal stand. Supplied in a satin lined window gift box with story card. Each piece of smashing art glass is sculptured in hand blown glass then mounted on a crystal block.
Measurements: From top of the fish hook to bottom of base - 215mm (8.5 inches) high, widest point on fish hook - 105mm (4 inches) wide and bottom of koru 55mm (2.2 inches) deep. All measurements are approximate.
Did You Know....
- Actor Viggo Mortensen (The Lord of the Rings) wore a hei matau around his neck.
- Actor, director and writer Michael Hurst was given a large and heavy pounamu pendant necklace which he wore on the television program Hercules. During a particularly energetic action scene the pendant bumped his teeth. The producers felt the ornament suited the nature of the program yet considered it a safety risk, and had it replaced with a latex replica.
Kerry Thompson
tea stained bone fish hook pendants with paua shell ornaments
These artistic creations are made by the master of traditional bone jade and mixed media wearable art, Kerry Thompson.He is one of New Zealand's best known and most skilled carvers with an unmistakable style that speaks of the deep respect he has for his craft, his culture and his tribe. You can find more of Kerry and Amanda Thompson's work here
Peter Bishop
one of a kind jade hei matau
Black Shell Fish Hook Pendants
(Click Image)
Our Price:NZD$21.95
Fish Hook Black Shell Pendant
(Click Image)
Our Price:NZD$21.95
Waka Huia
carved treasure boxes
Waka - box, vessel or containerHuia - the now extinct Huia bird
Waka Huia were wooden boxes, used to store the Maori's most valuable treasures (taonga). Originally containing the tail feathers of the Huia bird but later on also other valued treasures like pendants and other ornaments.
These feathers were used by the Maori chiefs to adorn their hair and were considered sacred (tapu). The very detailed carvings of the boxes but also the fact that they were given names shows these works of art were very important. (boxes are also referred to as Waka Kautuku)
Photo by: Te Ara, The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Store your Taonga in a real Waka Huia
This hand carved Waka Huia is for sale. There are not much wakahuia on the market due to the fact that there's so much work involved in the creation and carving. More info and price Where to buy Maori pendant necklaces?
the following shops offer original New Zealand (Maori) made carvings:
Bone Fish Hook Pendants on Amazon
Although these are advertised as Maori carved and New Zealand Maori style fish hook pendants, I doubt if they are truly made in New Zealand (by Maori carvers) One of the descriptions states the product is made by Sunrise International Honolulu. Nevertheless these are some nice examples of pendants Amazon has to offer.
NEW ZEALAND MAORI STYLE BONE CARVED 3 FIN FISH HOOK PENDANT
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 11/24/2009) 
New Zealand Style Bone Maori Fish Hook Hei Matau Pendant
Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 11/24/2009)
Maori Carved Bone Tattoo Fish Hook Pendant
Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 11/24/2009)
Want To See More Maori Design Necklaces?
check out this lens on Hei Tiki
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Hei Tiki | Maori Tiki Necklace Pendants
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Tiki necklaces (Hei tiki) are Maori ornamental neck pendants usually made of bone or greenstone. Tiki also refers to human figures carved in wood which were used to mark sacred places and are common in the whole Polynesian area. The Tiki is one of th...
About Me
Lensmaster MikLint has been a member since April 5 2009, has rated 24 lenses, favorited 3, and has created 10 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Maori Hei Matau | Hand Made Fish Hook Pendants". See all my lenses
What do you think of Hei Matau necklaces?
leave me a note if you want
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Reply
- stacy_mcdaniel stacy_mcdaniel Nov 17, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
- WOW! These necklaces are very pretty. I really like the black, green, and blue new zealand art glass fish hook.
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Reply
- HorseAndPony HorseAndPony Nov 14, 2009 @ 10:53 pm
- How amazing. I love these. Again too many beautiful pieces to pick a favorite.
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- rms rms Nov 14, 2009 @ 9:21 am
- Beautiful!
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Reply
- lasertek lasertek Nov 12, 2009 @ 5:39 pm
- I was given one of these necklaces last year and been wearing it since. Never knew its history. It's nice to know its legend and how it came to be an accessory in the modern times.
Great lens! Hope you could visit my lenses as well. Thanks.
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Reply
- palaceofglass palaceofglass Nov 12, 2009 @ 7:51 am
- Wonderful lens! I think I'll buy one piece for my wife's birthday. Your pics are great!
Check out Art Glass and Shower Doors
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