Hei Matau (Fish Hook) New Zealand Pounamu Green Necklace

This Hei Matau pounamu necklace is carved from kokopu pounamu from the Arahura River on the West Coast of Te Waipounanu (South Island) of Aotearoa New Zealand. Kokopu pounamu gets its name from the native trout of New Zealand whose off spring return to their ancestral river each year. As such, this pounamu symbolises a deep connection with one’s home.

This stone is ethically sourced from Ngāti Waewae Māori, ensuring it’s mana is fully upheld from the sourcing to final carving process.

The Hei Matau represents strength and growth and is worn by those who possess its characteristics. Comes with fully adjustable cord for personalised fitting.

Size: 50mm wide and 70mm long
Material: Kokopu pounamu and waxed polyester cord.

Carved by Adrian Woodhouse ( Kāi Tahu)

About Me: I am Kāi Tahu Māori and have southern whakapapa connections to Rakiura (Stewart island) and Maitapapa (Taiari Plains) New Zealand. I have been a carver for 30 years with my work drawing inspiration from the pūrākau (stories), whakapapa (genealogy), and the whenua (landscape) I interact with. As such, I am particularly interested in storytelling and integrating people’s life stories into the piece I am working on. My carvings are hand-finished through many hours of sanding to achieve the final aesthetic follow of the piece.