A gorgeous Hei Matau handcrafted from a stunning piece of (Nelson) Te Tau Ihu Pounamu. A beautiful carving with colours and patterns so unique to Tasman Region Pounamu. This will be a treasured taonga to last a lifetime.
Carved by Marshall Johnston, this Hei Matau features a long, sweeping outer curve and a sharply defined hook that curls inward around an open centre. Deep charcoal-green and smoky olive tones are crossed by pale cream veining, with golden-brown accents along one edge. The intricate natural markings create a dramatic surface, complementing the carving’s bold silhouette.
A sculpted hollow follows the inner curve, adding depth and highlighting the raised hook point. Smoothly rounded edges lead into a broad, tapered base, while an elongated slot at the top holds the earthy-toned braided cord, finished with dark binding. Johnston’s maker’s mark appears on the reverse, completing a distinctive pendant with striking detail on both sides.
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.
Te Tau Ihu- Greenstone from the Nelson Tasman region. Comes in many colour variations from light to dark browns, creamy whites, light blues, olive greens to yellow even golden. Also known as trout-stone named after the dark brown, olive green and yellowish markings found on the three species of native freshwater trout. The spotted textures and range of colour give this stone a diverse presence.
Hand Carved by Marshall Johnston
Size 110mm long x 50mm wide x 10mm 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.
