Hei Matau (Fishhook) - Originally Maori have been fishermen. Their main food source was the sea, so a fishhook of high quality was an unbelievably valuable item to own. The hook became a symbol of prosperity, abundance, good health, power, authority and respect for the sea and its life in it. They also provide good luck and safety while travelling across water.
Traditionally carved from Whale bone, however these days many bone carvings are made from cattle bone as it is an ethically abundant source.
