New Zealand Fish Hook Meaning
Also in maori myth maui used a magic fish hook carved from the jawbone of his grandmother to pull up new zealand s north island from the bottom of the ocean in the form of a huge fish.
New zealand fish hook meaning. Maori fish hook necklaces. Maori use fish in many of their traditional food dishes. The hei matau or maori fish hook necklace is my personal favorite. The wearer of a hei matau is seen as a provider and protector who is strong willed and determined to succeed in life.
What does a fish hook greenstone mean. Legend has it that new zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner maui using a line of woven plant fibre and a bone hook so the hook or matau is central to our islands. It is shaped like a fishing hook. This common maori design derives from the maori ancestors being seafarers and relying on the ocean to provide.
Legend holds that the shape of hawkes bay is that of the hei matau which caught in the fish s side on the beach. Hand carved fish hook necklaces greenstone jade fish hook necklaces paua gemstones new zealand maori hawaiian koru s infinitys tikis more free shipping on orders over 35 in the usa. What s unique about this particular symbol is that it s the only maori symbol that evolved from a tool namely an ordinary fish hook to a. I can only guess but think that because of the strong connection to tangaroa wearing a fish hook over water would ensure safe passage because it shows a level.
The fish hook represents strength determination prosperity and good health. New zealand has some of the most beautiful ferns in the world. In short the fish hook resembles prosperity good luck abundance good health and safe passage over water. Hei matau fish hook.
The fish hook is exactly what it says on the tin. The maori symbols or meaning or hei matau more commonly known as the fish hook symbolises prosperity. 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. Legend has it that new zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner maui using a line of woven plant fibre and a bone hook so the hook or matau is central to our islands.
Fish were so plentiful to the maori that the simple ownership of a fish hook meant prosperity. The wearer of a hei matau is seen as a provider and protector who is strong willed and determined to succeed in life. It is believed to bring peace prosperity and good health. In maori mythology new zealand was fished up out of the sea by maui.