Spiritual and Mythological Meanings
special hei matau variations

Apart from family and tribal traditions and ancestral spirits Maori carvings also resemble mythological figures. Often they depict supernatural beings from old Maori legends. Therein they represent different spiritual meanings. Examples are good luck amulets like the hei matau based on mythological creatures like; Manaia, Kaitiaki and Taniwha.

Taniwha Hei Matau
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 hei matau pendant on the photo resembles a taniwha.