{"product_id":"whale-bone-hook-pendant-70mm","title":"Whale Bone Hook Pendant - 70mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhale Bone Hook Pendant.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Hei Matau, a stylized fishhook shape, is a significant symbol in Māori culture, often carved from materials like whale bone, greenstone (pounamu), or wood.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen made from whale bone, it carries a deep spiritual and cultural significance, combining the powerful symbolism of the Hei Matau with the Mana (prestige, authority, and power) associated with whales.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShape and Design of Hei Matau. The Hei Matau resembles a fishhook, an essential tool in traditional Māori life for sustenance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIts design often includes intricate carvings that reflect the wearer's lineage, connection to nature, and Māori artistry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhale bone, with its creamy-white appearance, adds a natural and sacred element to the piece.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpiritual Meaning Connection to Tangaroa: The Hei Matau represents Tangaroa, the god of the sea, in Māori mythology.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt symbolizes a deep connection to the ocean and its life-giving properties, emphasizing the interdependence between humans and nature.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbundance and Prosperity: The fishhook is a symbol of abundance and prosperity, as it was vital for securing food.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWearing a hei matau signifies hope for success, wealth, and well-being.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProtection and Safety in Travel: Traditionally, Hei Matau are worn as talismans for safe travels, particularly across water.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe whale bone, coming from a creature of the sea, amplifies this protective energy.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrength and Endurance: Whales are regarded as symbols of immense strength, longevity, and spiritual guidance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Hei Matau carved from whale bone embodies these qualities, inspiring resilience and connection to ancestors.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAncestral Connection: Whale bone carries significant mana as it is often seen as a gift from Tangaroa.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuch materials are sometimes passed down through generations, strengthening ties to family and heritage. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSustainability and Ethical Considerations. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn modern times, whale bone is typically sourced from whales that have died naturally or stranded themselves, ensuring respect for marine life and adherence to conservation principles.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Respect. For Māori, the hei matau is more than an ornament; it is a taonga (treasure) imbued with spiritual significance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNon-Māori wearers are encouraged to appreciate and respect its cultural roots and meaning.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn essence, a whale bone Hei Matau represents a harmonious blend of Māori spirituality, the natural world, and the enduring strength of tradition, making it a cherished symbol of protection, prosperity, and ancestral connection.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize Approx 70 H x 35mm W.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe photograph each piece but a slight colour variation may occur.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DALE BORLAND","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51916726567044,"sku":"16577","price":160.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0384\/1271\/4116\/files\/35-MSB71-C-1.jpg?v=1780474556","url":"https:\/\/creativetreasures.co.nz\/products\/whale-bone-hook-pendant-70mm","provider":"Creative Treasures NZ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}