About this item: The three koru shaped cut outs invite you to assign some positive special aspect to these mataua, place a person or even an occasion. The title aka comes from a twisting vine which is suggested by the mātau and traditionally was trained to a hook shape for later fire hardening and use.

About Hei Matau Designs: These Fish Hook Pendants have origins in a story which also explains the purpose of traditional art. Elaborate hooks were carved from bone, wood and stone to be lowered with the baited hooks because Tangaroa, the Sea God was known to reward excellent workmanship with a good catch. Naturally the skills learned in the making were transferred to making better ordinary hooks, and likewise the skills learned in making sure the good hook was safe on a well made line.

The resulting good catch was attributed to pleasing the Spirit World, and so the Special hooks came to be worn as Good Luck charms. They are also, more importantly, a reminder of the value of excellence, and of the place of the Spirit World in our everyday world.

Protocol: Traditionally these treasures are given personal names and you are invited to continue that tradition.

Material: Bone.  All the bone for these carvings are from farmed animals and are not therefore restricted by CITES conventions for border restrictions if travelling. The cords are of adjustable length for convenience.