NZ Greenstone Hook Pendant - 51mm

NZ Greenstone Hook Pendant.

Flower Greenstone sourced from the West Coast of the South Island.

Nephrite jade is interchangeably referred to as pounamu or greenstone in NZ and comes in a variety of colours and tones.

The flower jade variation is deep green with blooms of yellow to orangey-brown and is one of the loveliest to be found in the Marsden area of the West Coast.

Fish Hook - Hei Matau.

This pendant is in the shape of a stylised Maori fish hook known as the hei-matau (pronounced hay-may-tow), matau meaning hook.

It is believed that the hei-matau and many other fish-like amulets, more common in the south, may have been worn as talismans during fishing expeditions.

Hei-matau styled jewelry is inspired by the traditional Maori art of New Zealand. Hei-matau, the Maori fishhook was carved traditionally in jade or bone in a variety of styles. Matau, meaning hook, was later work suspended by a cord from the neck as a pendant.

For the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Hei-matau represents strength, determination, peace, prosperity and good health and also provides safe journey over water.

This piece has been finished off with an adjustable black waxed cord.

Size Approx 51 x 35mm.