Hei Matau Bone Pendant
Brian Flintoff

Price: $ 149.00 (Friends of Te Papa - $ 134.10)
Ref. No: 38231
Dimensions:

This style of fish hook pendant has its origins in a story that also explains much about traditional art. Elaborate hooks were carved from bone, wood, and stone. They were lowered along with baited hooks because Tangaora, the sea god, was believed to reward excellent workmanship with a good catch. Naturally, the skills learned in the making were transferred to making better ordinary hooks, and likewise skills were learned in making sure the good hook was safe on a well-made line. The resulting good catch was attributed to pleasing the spirit worlds, and so the special hooks came to be worn as good luck charms. They are also, more importantly, a reminder of the value of excellence. 'My matau begin with a head, often highly stylised, to remind us that taonga (treasures) are seen as individual and invite you to give them their own name. The curving shape of the design is inspired by the aka or bush vines.'