Maori Bone Hei Matau Fish Hook Scrimshaw Necklace

Hand Carved Solid Bone Hei Matau Fish Hook Scrimshaw Necklace. Comes with a bound, braided style, adjustable, sliding bead, one size fits all, Cord.

The fish-hook shape of the hei matau finds its origins in Maori legend, which holds that 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 bone hook. Legend holds that the shape of Hawkes Bay is that of the hei matau, which caught in the fish's side.

For the Maori, the hei matau is taonga (a cultural treasure). It represents not only their land, but also prosperity, fertility and safe passage over water.

Packaging includes the name of the piece and its meaning.

Size: 3.2cm (32mm) W x 4.8cm (48mm) L

Inches: 1.27" W x 1.90" L (size may vary slightly)