NEW ZEALAND MAORI NECKLACE
Traditional and Contemporary Designs
"WORN BY WARRIORS"
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Hei Matau (fish hooks) are simple, ingenious, and beautifully constructed. The huge variety of hooks represent the many kinds of fish caught as well as the many techniques used.
This contemporary design was inspired by the Pa Kahawai (trolling lure).
Traditionally, these Pa Kahawai are made from wood, shell, and bone – the fish being attracted to the flashes of movement and colour of the iridescent paua shell that lined the shank.
These lures were trolled behind waka (canoes) in estuaries or close to coastlines using lines of finely plaited muka (flax fiber).
The hei matau is taonga (a cultural treasure). It represents not only Aotearoa (New Zealand), but also prosperity, fertility and safe passage over water.
