Hei Matau (Hook) — Bone, Wood, and Pāua Shell necklace

Hei Matau (Hook) — Bone, Wood, and Pāua Shell

This Hei Matau (Hook) is carved from Rauemi Kōiwi (Bone), Rākau (Wood), and inlaid with shimmering Pāua (Abalone Shell). Each material carries its own Mauri (Life Force), woven together to create a taonga of deep meaning and protection.

The Matau (Hook) shape symbolises Hauhake (Prosperity), Haerenga Haumaru (Safe Journeys), and Hononga ki Tangaroa (Connection to the Ocean Guardian). Bone represents Whakapapa (Ancestral Connection), wood brings Pūtake (Grounding and Stability), and pāua adds Marama (Light, Insight, and Inner Guidance).

Spiritually, this taonga supports Tiaki (Protection), Kaha (Strength), and Arahina (Guidance) as you move through life’s tides. It is worn to call in new opportunities, steady the wairua during challenges, and honour the pathways shaped by your Tūpuna (Ancestors).

Karakia (Blessing) for the Hei Matau (Hook)

Your Hei Matau (Hook) has been blessed with a Karakia (Prayer/Incantation) performed by Dot Arts to honour the Mauri (Life Force) of the materials and to set intentions of Tiaki (Protection), Kaha (Strength), and Arahina (Guidance) for the wearer.

The Karakia acknowledges the journey of the Rauemi Kōiwi (Bone), Rākau (Wood), and Pāua (Abalone Shell) — from the Whenua (Land) and Moana (Ocean) — and binds them together as a living Taonga (Treasure) carrying wairua and purpose.

Reason for the Karakia

The Karakia is spoken to:

Honour the origins of each material

Awaken the taonga’s protective qualities

Connect the wearer to their Tūpuna (Ancestors)

Set intentions of safe passage, clarity, and prosperity

Ensure the Hei Matau carries not just beauty, but Mana (Spiritual Power)

Example Karakia (Blessing)

E Taonga, he Koha nō te Whenua me te Moana
(Oh Taonga, a gift from the Land and the Ocean)

Homai tō Kaha, tō Maramatanga
(Give your Strength, your Clarity)

Hei Tiaki, Hei Arahina i te Tangata e Mau Nei i a Koe
(To Protect and Guide the one who wears you)

Haumi Ē, Hui Ē, Tāiki Ē
(It is Bound, It is Joined, It is Done)

Presentation

Your Hei Matau is presented in a Pouaka Hiako Mā (White Leather‑Bound Box) with a Papatunga Mā (White Inner Pad), giving it a clean, elegant, and uplifting finish — perfect for gifting or safekeeping.

Cord Details

The taonga is suspended from a Taura Miro Kākāriki (Green Plaited Cord) that is Whakaritea (Adjustable) to fit comfortably for everyday wear. The green cord symbolises Tipu (Growth), Oranga (Wellbeing), and connection to Te Taiao (The Natural World).