The Meaning Behind Hei Matau
Discovering the significance of hei matau - or the fish hook design
Here in New Zealand greenstone, or Māori greenstone
is known most commonly by its Māori name ‘pounamu’, so pounamu shape meanings is a very common topic of conversation with our customers here at Moko Pounamu.
A popular shape found in pounamu carvings is hei matau, so today we thought we’d write about the hei matau meaning and why it’s such a popular shape carved out of pounamu.
In Māori, the word ‘matau’ means fish hook. ‘Hei’ indicates that the matau hangs around the neck. Traditionally for Māori there is a special connection to the fish hook because according to Māori legend, the North Island of New Zealand was once a fish, and was caught and brought up to the surface by Maui; son of the sky father (Ranginui) and earth mother (Papatūānuku).
The connection to the ocean is another special connection, because te moana (the ocean) is regarded as a very spiritual and sacred life source.
Fish hooks made from bone and pounamu would be stored around people’s necks for safekeeping in the early days, and slowly they became more ornamental than practical.
The associations of hei matau include strength, abundance, connection, affiliation with the ocean, and of course a love of fishing!
Hei matau are found in a variety of stylised figures; some incorporating other elements of Māori design, and some more traditional in their shape.
Here at Moko Pounamu we have many hei matau individually designed and carved and ready to be viewed and purchased.
Take a look at our collection
to find a piece that catches your eye, and keep an eye out for our next blog as we go into more detail about the meaning behind another recognisable pounamu carving shape.
Moko Pounamu Knowledge Library
The rivers of Te Tai Poutini have been carrying pounamu to the surface for thousands of years. Long before anyone carved it, shaped it, or wore it close to their skin, the stone was already on its journey.
At Moko Pounamu, we believe our job is to honour that journey.
This September, we're celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week, 14-21 Mahuru). The focus this year is on Tāone Reo Māori (Te Reo Towns), a call for communities across Aotearoa to make te reo visible, heard, and used in everyday life.
