This Hei Matau pendant is crafted from Hapopo Pounamu, showing rich dark green tones with soft natural variation across the stone. The form sweeps in a smooth, curving flow through the head and body, giving the piece a lively, expressive presence. Polished to a refined sheen, it embodies the qualities of the Matau while carrying warmth and strong character.
Hei Matau (Fishhook)- Originally Maori have been fishermen. Their main food source was the sea, so a fishhook of high quality was a very valuable item to own. The hook became a symbol of prosperity, abundance, good health, power, authority and respect for the sea and its life in it. They also provide good luck and safety while travelling across water.
Koru- The Maori word for bright or loop. It refers to the shoots of the silver fern. The circular movement to the inner core refers to "going back to the beginnings". The unfurling frond itself is symbolic for new life, new beginnings, hope, personal growth, purity nurturing, a new phase in life, the spirit of rejuvenation and peace.
Hapopo- Genuine West Coast Greenstone. It's colour ranges from medium green to a dark forest green with a unique mottled texture. The name originating from Kā Umu o Hapopo (Big Bay) which is in Poutini ki te toka (South Westland).
Carved by Paul Anderson
Ngai Tahu Trace Code P2017XXR
Size 60mm long 38mm wide x 6.5mm thick
This will be the exact piece you will receive in the photos. There may be a slight degree of colour variation based on different computer or device screen resolutions that you are viewing from.
