MAORI FISHHOOK
HAND CARVED BY ARTISTS OF NEW ZEALAND
This Fishhook Carving measures approximately 50mm (2 inches) in length.
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The Fishhook Necklace is a unique wearable artwork from New Zealand artists. This stylised fish hook seen here represents strength, prosperity,abundance, fertility and a great respect for the sea, and is also said to provide good luck and safety when traveling over water and worn by travelers. traditional bone carving Maori necklace design is the Fish Hook, or Hei Matau, as 'Hei' means to wear it around one's neck.
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 fishhooks, from the true hook designs to the more ornamental styles which became treasured heirlooms for many generations following.
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 /cloth weaving to mother-of-pearl jewellery and wood, bone, shell and jade or greenstone carving. Bone carving is a traditional and often sacred craft practiced by some of the more warlike native tribes around the world. Such 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.
Bone carving necklaces based on Maori designs in particular have special significance, as bonecarvings worn with respect or given and received with love, takes on part of the spirit of those who wear or handle it. Therefore it becomes a spiritual link between people spanning time and distance. Fishhook Carvings that have 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.
Bone carvings by the New Zealand Maori are beautiful wearable art works 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 the design.
Every 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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