Hand Carved Bone Fish Hook Whale Tail Pendant

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A stylised Maori fish hook / Hei matau bone pendant. The pendant features a whale tail design on the barb end of the hook. The bone is also detailed, back and front, with a scrimshaw of traditional Maori patterns and designs.

The fish hook is known to the Maori as the Hei Matau. It was worn by Maori fishermen on fishing trips as talismans to protect them. Originally the hei matau was a tool, an actual fishing hook, used to fish. It was kept safe by wearing the tool around the neck, the fish hooks were traditionally made from greenstone or bone. In a spiritual sense the fish hook or hei matau represents strength, determination, peace, prosperity and good health.

Traditionally whale, dog or human bone was used to fashion bone pendants, however nowadays it is cow bone which is most commonly used to produce these stunning pendants.

The piece measures 52mm (2 inches) long by 40mm (1 1/2 inch) wide. It comes with a black waxed adjustable cord, velvet pouch and meaning card.

Gallery

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