Hei Matau Whale Tail Beef Bone Pendant | by Peter Mitchell

This beautiful Hei Matau Whale Tail Pendant has been carved from beef bone by Peter Mitchell.

The Matau is the Māori name for fish hook, and Hei Matau is the fish hook in pendant form. Fish hooks were made using wood, stone, shell or bone. Legend tells of the demigod Māui, who used a hook made from his grandfather’s jawbone to fish the North Island of New Zealand from the depths of the sea.

The Matau is a symbol of determination, strength, provision, and safe travel over water. The wearer provides friendship, support in times of need and love. As a result prosperity ensues.

In Māori mythology the first Māori came to New Zealand on the back of a Whale. Whales are believed to be descended from Tangaroa, atua or deity of the ocean and sea creatures. Therefore, the symbol of a whale tail is highly prized in Māori culture and represents one's journey and protection in and around the ocean.

Peter is New Zealand born of European-Māori-Pitcairn Island descent. Bone carving is a traditional New Zealand Maori craft and it is on this culture that most of his designs are based. 
Peter was educated in Wellington where his love of Tech drawing greatly influenced his art skills in his early years. A builder by trade, Peter has utilized his artistic talents to create these high quality bone pendants, after he suffering a back injury. He has recently returned from living in the U.K where he successfully exhibited in National Trust Galleries. 

Made in New Zealand