New Zealand Maori Black Bone Legend Hei Matau Fish Hook (Deluxe) Necklace (2009 Top Seller)

Deluxe Hand Carved Maori Bone Scrimshaw Dyed Black Hei Matau Fish Hook Pendant Comes with a 30" (inch) (approximate) Adjustable Traditional style cord and a written meaning about the design.

Size 45mm L x 28mm W x 6.5mm (thickness) Size 1.77 inch L x 1.13 inch W x .25inchs (thickness) (Size and bead on Cord may Vary Slightly)

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.