A fantastic Hei Matau in the wonderful and prized Totoweka Pounamu. A stunning example of this unique greenstone handcrafted into this beautiful Hei Matau. Very much a Taonga to be passed down the generations.
Hei Matau(Fishhook) - Originally Maori have been fishermen. Their main food source was the sea, so a fishhook of high quality was a very 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.
Totoweka- This stone is usually like the mid green Kawakawa variety but differs in that the spotting or streaks are red like blood. It is rare to find Totoweka in the Westland jade fields, but when a piece is discovered, it is highly cherished and sometimes becomes the show piece of the fossicker’s collection. Large deposits of Totoweka occur in the South Westland area. The name comes from toto (blood), weka (Native bush hen) or weka blood. The red iron oxide inclusions were likened to the colour of blood of the Weka.
Hand Carved Shaun Gardiner
Size 58mm long x 23mm Wide
This will be the exact piece you will receive in the photos, there may be a slight degree of colour variation based on different computer or device screen resolutions that you are viewing from.
