Hei matau are traditionally carved bone or jade Maori fish hook pendants. 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 (greenstone) and bone carving has been handed down from generation to generation. These crafty fish hook necklaces are especially loved by kayakers and boaters but getting more popular among the general public as well.

Haere mai (Welcome) to this blog, I hope you will enjoy it.

(Hand carved Hei-Matau Hook Pendant by Nathan Boedigheimer)

Hei-Matau Necklace:

Hei - to suspend or wear from the neck

Matau - hook

A well-crafted fish 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.