The meaning of Hei Matau / Fish Hook

 

Hei Matau, or the fish hook, is one of the most popular Maori carving designs you’ll see worn today – with greenstone or bone being choice of material often used by Maori craftsmen and women.

The Hei Matau design is a traditional symbol with multiple meanings. It is said to bring prosperity, strength, fertility of land and also provide safe voyage over water.

As a culture, Maori have always had a strong connection to the water. Fishing has also played a very important role in the lives of Maori and a greenstone or bone Hei Matau is a visual and spiritual representation of this.

Hei Matau is an iconic symbol of New Zealand and greenstone and bone jewellery carved in this shape are considered a cultural treasure (taonga).

Hei Matau / Fish Hook

• Symbol of prosperity, abundance and good health
• Represents power or strength, authority and respect for the sea and the life within it
• Believed to provide good luck and safety while travelling over water