Hey Matau

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Hei Matau from Pounamu
Hei Matau made of bones

A Hei Matau (also Hei-Matau ) is a bone or Pounamu (a New Zealand Jade cut) object in the shape of a highly stylized fish hook of Māori in New Zealand . It symbolizes strength, luck and safe travel across the water.

meaning

The fishhook shape of the Hei Matau has its origin in the Māori legend that the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great seafarer Māui with the help of a fishing line and a bone hook. Legend has it that the shape of Hawke Bay is the shape of the hei matau who dug into the side of the fish.

For the Māori, Hei Matau is a Taonga (cultural treasure). They not only represent their land, but also prosperity, fertility and safe travel across the water. They also point to the importance of fishing for the Māori and their ancient relationship with the sea god Tangaroa .

Manufacturing

Traditional Hei Matau were carved from whale bones alongside jade. They came in a variety of forms, from simple, used for fishing, to heavily decorated, which were important family heirlooms. Today they are mostly worn as jewelry on the neck, not only by Māori , but also by other New Zealanders who identify with Hei Matau as a symbol of New Zealand. They are also popular souvenirs for tourists (here, however, often as cheap Asian imitations).

Today Hei Matau are mostly made from beef bones. Some Māori carvers continue to use whale bones. These pieces are highly sought after for the beauty of the whale bone, the history associated with them, and their rarity. Today, whale bones are only available from existing stocks or from stranded whales . In New Zealand, the Māori have the first claim to any part of the skeleton of any whale that is stranded and cannot be returned to the sea. However, this source is very limited.

Manufacturers in China and India have mass-produced Hei Matau- like items to be sold to tourists in the New Zealand market. These are usually made from a mixture of bone meal and synthetic resin. These manufacturers have been criticized, among other things, for having illegally appropriated designs from the Māori .

See also

Hei-tiki

Web links

  • Hei matau . Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa,accessed on August 17, 2014(English, 37 objects for viewing).

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Maori Design Meanings . The Bone Art Place Ltd , accessed July 6, 2018 .