TRADITIONAL MAORI BONE CARVING FISH HOOK NECKLACE
HAND CARVED BY NEW ZEALAND ARTISTS
One of New Zealand jewellery treasures is the Traditional Maori Bone Carving Fish Hook Necklace. As pre-European Maori did not have a written language, tribal history and the stories of the Gods were kept using many forms of fine arts and crafts ranging from basket and cloth weaving to mother-of-pearl jewellery and complex wood, bone, shell and jade or greenstone carving. These artifacts were then handed down through generations of tribal elders and became sacred objects or 'taonga' treasures, telling the history of a tribe and taking on the spirits of past great leaders and warriors who had worn them.
The bone carving necklaces based on Maori designs in particular have special significance. It is believed that a bonecarving which is worn with respect or given and received with love, takes on part of the spirit of those who wear or handle it. In this way it becomes a spiritual link between people spanning time and distance. A carving that has been worn by family or tribal members over many generations contains the spirit of all of those people and is truly a great and powerful treasure.
One traditional bone carving Maori necklace design is the Fish Hook, or Hei Matau, as 'Hei' means to wear around ones neck. This stylised fish hook represents strength, prosperity,abundance, fertility and a great respect for the sea. It also is said to provide good luck and safety when traveling over water and often worn by travelers. Hei-Matau are symbols of power and authority which are held in great reverence by the Maori people. Hei-Matau carvings were used as a practical tool for fishing and were often decorated as a sign of respect for the creatures of the sea. There are many styles of Hei-Matau from the true hook designs to the more ornamental styles which became treasured heirlooms for generations following. Bone carving is a traditional and often sacred craft practiced by some of the more warlike native tribes around the world.
Bone carvings by the New Zealand Maori are some of the most beautiful wearable art works available today and come in a wide variety of styles from very traditional pieces to the more contemporary or modern styles. Pendants, jewellery and various tools such as needles, spear tips and fish hooks made from bone developed into a fine art form with great importance being placed on every piece, many of which took years to make using stone tools.All have a story or meaning behind their design.
Every Traditional Maori Necklace purchased through NZ Pacific is presented with a braided or platted waxed braid cord, along with woven native flax bag designed to show the traditional styling and beauty of the carving. Also supplied is an attractive information sheet telling of the meaning of the particular Maori Carving.
All prices include Worldwide Airmail Insured Delivery. We ship to USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and rest of world.
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