Hei Matau on Pounamu SOLD
SKU:
000006
$0.00
per item
Dimensions: Pounamu 2 1/4 in x 1 1/2 approx Pewter 1 1/2 in height x 1 in width
SOLD
Hei Matau is taonga (a cultural treasure). It represents not only our land, but also prosperity, fertility and safe passage over water. They also denote the importance of fishing to Māori, and their relationship to Tangaroa god of the sea. Hei Matau represent strength, good luck and safe travel across water.
The fish-hook shape of the hei matau finds its origins in Māori legend, which holds that the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner Maui using only a woven line and a hook made from the jawbone of his grandmother. The Māori name for the North island, Te Ika a Maui ("The fish of Maui") reflects this legend.
It is believed that a carving -- taonga -- which is worn with respect or given and received with love, takes on part of the spirit of those who wear or handle it. In this way it becomes a spiritual link between people spanning time and distance. A carving that has been worn by family or tribal members over many generations contains the spirit of all of those people and is truly a great and powerful treasure.
Pounamu – New Zealand’s highly prized stone – has been used by Māori to denote status and authority, for adornment, and for making peace. Treasured by all New Zealanders for it's value and spiritual significance. Pounamu refers to several types of hard, durable and highly valued nephrite jade, bowenite, or serpentinite stone found in southern New Zealand. Pounamu is the Māori name. These rocks are also generically known as "greenstone" in New Zealand.
Pewter is the fourth most popular metal used in jewelry, behind gold, silver, and platinum. Pewter is primarily tin, with a small amount of copper.
SOLD
Hei Matau is taonga (a cultural treasure). It represents not only our land, but also prosperity, fertility and safe passage over water. They also denote the importance of fishing to Māori, and their relationship to Tangaroa god of the sea. Hei Matau represent strength, good luck and safe travel across water.
The fish-hook shape of the hei matau finds its origins in Māori legend, which holds that the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner Maui using only a woven line and a hook made from the jawbone of his grandmother. The Māori name for the North island, Te Ika a Maui ("The fish of Maui") reflects this legend.
It is believed that a carving -- taonga -- which is worn with respect or given and received with love, takes on part of the spirit of those who wear or handle it. In this way it becomes a spiritual link between people spanning time and distance. A carving that has been worn by family or tribal members over many generations contains the spirit of all of those people and is truly a great and powerful treasure.
Pounamu – New Zealand’s highly prized stone – has been used by Māori to denote status and authority, for adornment, and for making peace. Treasured by all New Zealanders for it's value and spiritual significance. Pounamu refers to several types of hard, durable and highly valued nephrite jade, bowenite, or serpentinite stone found in southern New Zealand. Pounamu is the Māori name. These rocks are also generically known as "greenstone" in New Zealand.
Pewter is the fourth most popular metal used in jewelry, behind gold, silver, and platinum. Pewter is primarily tin, with a small amount of copper.
