Moko Pounamu Hei Matau Genuine Whale Bone Carving - Ngataki

This whale bone Hei Matau features a sweeping fish hook form, with an inward-curling tip and an open centre that gives the pendant a graceful sense of movement. A prominent carved spiral anchors the lower curve, while closely spaced grooves follow the outer edge. Rich brown colouring within the recessed details contrasts beautifully with the warm ivory surface, highlighting the flowing pattern.

Suspended from a black cord, this distinctive piece brings together sculptural curves and finely carved detail. A symbol of Tangaroa and an amulet for good fishing, it offers a meaningful connection to the ocean. Its expressive shape and contrasting tones make it a striking pendant for someone who treasures fishing, the sea or the beauty of carved whale bone.

Hei Matau/Fishhook- Originally Māori have been fishermen. Their main food source was the sea, so a fishhook of high quality was an unbelievably 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 traveling across water.

Kowhaiwhai- The Kowhaiwhai is a traditional Māori pattern that is used in whakairo (carving) and art, as well as being decorative, Kowhaiwhai patterns also help to tell a story. Kowhaiwhai in whare tipuna (meeting houses) are specially designed for the iwi (tribe) the house belongs to. It tells stories about their history. Kowhaiwhai are painted on the rafters or the tahuhu (ridgepole) of the house stretching the length of the building. The Kowhaiwhai painted on the ridgepole represents the whakapapa (genealogy) of the iwi (tribe). Nature is often the inspiration for these beautiful and stunning patterns.

Bone has always been a special medium for Māori artists, Whales are considered a taonga species, and represent abundance, richness and were regarded as chiefly animals. Some tribes see whales as the descendants of Tangaroa, the god of the ocean and strandings are seen as gifts from Tangaroa and carving them is a way of honouring that gift. Whales possess a tapu (sacred) significance to Māori as both supernatural beings and as harbingers of personal change and spiritual growth.

Genuine Whale bone - Ethically sourced from the Kapiti Island.

Size 80mm long x 70mm wide x 13mm 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.