Hand Carved Fish Hook on Base

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Hand Carved Fish Hook on Base. This hand carved fish hook, matau, is based on Maui's hook, which, in Maori mythology, was used to 'fish up' the North Island of New Zealand. The fish hook is seen as a symbol of abundance and plenty. The hook features many Maori traditional carvings on the face and paua shell eyes.

Size: The fish hook measures 420mm (17 inches) long, 145mm (5 3/4 inches) wide and 23mm (3/4 inch) deep.

Weight: 0.60 kg / 1.32lbs.

This Fish Hook carving was hand carved in Rotorua, New Zealand. This high quality carving is shaped and carved using New Zealand native Matai.

The Carving Process

Initially the talented carver shapes the timber to approximate dimensions. Then the piece is hand carved using traditional and authentic designs which have been passed down through generations. These design depict tribal and family details.

Once the carving is finished, the piece is then dipped into a stain and sprayed with lacquer ensuring the preservation of the timber. The final step of the process is to add the carvings embellishments such as paua eyes, greenstone, feathers and binding if necessary.

The carvers of these pieces have been trained through Maori carving institutions and have spent a long time perfecting their skills making it possible for them to carve to the detail required to ensure each piece is authentic and that each piece represents a part of the history of Maroidom.

Gallery

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