Maori Green Jade Legend Fish Hook "Hei Matau" Pendant

New Zealand Maori Dark Nephrite Jade Greenstone Fish Hook Necklace. Comes with an adjustable (one size fits all), traditional style, sliding double slip knot, cord.

The hei matau (fish hook) represents prosperity, abundance, fertility, and safe passage over water.

Packaging includes the name of the piece and its meaning.

(mm) 30 W x 44 L x 7 thick (inch) 1.18 W x 1.73 L x 0.28 thick

(Size and Color may vary slightly)

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).