Maori Fish Hooks

The most valued personal Maori jewelry were the hei tiki and hei matau pendant necklaces. Made of bone, greenstone and sometimes stone or wood these treasures (taonga) were heirlooms passed on by generations.

The posession of a well crafted and functional fish hook (hei matau) meant a source of food and income for the family. Later on they also were ascribed a more symbolical meaning based on the abundance of food, wealth and survival themes. Symbolical and mythological meanings of the Maori fish hook are still valued today. Truly beautiful bone and jade carved pieces are still made in New Zealand. Many of these items are crafted by Maori bone carvers. Mythological creatures like the Manaia, Taniwha and other legendary beings are intertwined in the beautiful designs.