Size: 86mm x 45mm We have 2 variations of this piece to choose from:
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Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
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The Hei Matau is thought to bring protection on your travels
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, Māui.For many, it is a way of signifying their connection to the water.
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Every detail of our packaging is thoughtfully curated, from sustainable, low-ink, recyclable materials to personalised touches like mini-meaning cards and artist profiles. For an extra special touch, our Premium Gift Wrapping service means we wrap your piece in elegant kraft paper, tied with natural string and a woven jute ribbon.
Rueben Tipene
The artist behind this creationFrom a young age, Rueben loved drawing. One day, a Māori carver noticed his drawings and told him, “If you can draw, you can carve”. From that point on, he would carve anything he could get his hands on, from native wood to shells from the sea. Rueben has carved and painted murals, sculptures, weapons and ornaments, always with a strong design connection to his Māori heritage.
Rueben now works from his home studio in Rangiora under the name Kewai Carvings. He has whakapapa (ancestral) connections to Ngāpuhi and Ngāi Tahu.
Steeped in Māori legend, the Hei Matau connects us to the ocean. It is said to bring strength, prosperity and protection on your travels.
Protection
The Hei Matau
The fish hook denotes the importance of fishing to the Māori and their strong relationship with Tangaroa, the god of the sea. The ocean is deeply rooted in Māori worldview and culture and thought by many as the foundation of all life. Protected by the gods, it is a source of food and a place of ritual and spiritual connection, steeped in legend and stories telling of the creation of Aotearoa.