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Pounamu Hei Matau with Koru 73mm
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NZ Pounamu
On a waxed nylon cord. Adjustable length.
73 x 35 x 7mm
About Hei Matau:
The Hei Matau (fish hook) finds its origins in Maori legend - 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 hook made from the jawbone of his grandmother. The fish hook denotes the importance of fishing to the Maori and their strong relationship to Tangaroa, the god of the sea. Originally a hook used to catch fish, it slowly became ornamental, particularly when Maori began trading with Europeans.
About the Koru:
The spiral is a Koru. It represents the fern frond as it opens - bringing new life and purity to the world. It also represents peace, tranquility and spirituality along with a strong sense of regrowth or new beginnings.
About Pounamu:
No two pieces of pounamu are the same, and every stone is treated with the utmost respect by those who source and carve it.
Renowned for its beauty and strength, the rare stone is highly valued by both Māori and greater New Zealand. While generically known as ‘greenstone’ Pounamu refers to the particular types of hard nephrite jade, bowentine or serpertine found only in southern New Zealand.
