Stylized Maori Antiqued Bone Fishhook Whaletail Necklace

Hand Carved Stylized Maori Solid Antiqued Bone Fish Hook Whale Tail Necklace. Comes on a bound, braided, adjustable, sliding bead, cord.

Note: no two pieces of bone will antique in the exact same way; each will take on the characteristics of the given bone used to make the item. Each piece is as unique as the person who wears it.

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 item and its meaning.

Size: 2.8cm (28mm) W x 3.7cm (37mm) L Inches1.10w x 1.46L (size may vary slightly).