This striking Hei Matau is carved from genuine New Zealand Kōkopu Pounamu, a rare and highly distinctive stone recognised for its creamy base tones layered with intricate dark speckling and branching natural inclusions.
Named after the native freshwater kōkopu fish, this stone is admired for its organic markings that resemble river patterns, delicate mossing, and natural ink like veining. Each piece is entirely unique, with no two carvings ever carrying the same landscape within the stone.
The softer ivory and earthy tones in this carving are beautifully balanced by the luminous mother of pearl eye detail, while the handcrafted wooden rākau toggle adds warmth and a grounding natural finish. The carved inner hook detail creates depth and layering throughout the form, while the mother of pearl eye introduces a subtle shimmer that shifts beautifully in changing light. The addition of the handcrafted wooden rākau toggle complements the earthy natural tones of the Kōkopu stone and gives the piece an organic, grounded aesthetic.
The intricate natural patterning throughout the pounamu makes this pendant feel almost like a miniature landscape carved by nature itself — refined, artistic, and deeply connected to Aotearoa.
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.
Kokopu- Greenstone from the West Coast Taramakau River area, West Coast. 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.
Mother of pearl
– The iridescent inside lining of a mollusc shell, commonly found in oysters, freshwater mussels, and abalone (paua). It is strong, resilient, and very iridescent. This multicoloured iridescence is caused by the way the light reflects on the layers of the shell. A protection shell/stone that brings the gentle healing power of the sea to you. As a stress relieving stone, it brings relaxation and soothing to its wearer and the ability to calm emotion. Mother of Pearl also stimulates intuition, imagination, sensitivity, and adaptability.
Carved by Marshall Johnson
Size 72mm Long x 50mm wide x 8mm 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.
