A sleek 75mm hand-carved Hei Matau taonga, inspired by the traditional Pā Kahawai (trolling lure). Crafted from high-polish bovine bone and inlaid with shimmering Paua shell, this piece symbolizes prosperity, fertility, and safe passage across the Moana.
This Hei Matau is a contemporary tribute to the Pā Kahawai, a traditional Maori trolling lure. Historically, these lures were engineered from wood and bone, lined with iridescent shell to mimic the flashes of prey and attract fish to the Waka (canoe). This reimagined taonga features a slender bone shank inlaid with a vibrant strip of Paua shell, honoring the ingenious maritime technology of Aotearoa. As a symbol of abundance and resilience, it serves as a powerful protective emblem for those navigating life’s journeys, connecting the wearer to the ancestral tradition of Muka (flax) line fishing and the bounty of the sea.
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