Te Kaiwhakangau – Hei Matau
$600.00
A 70mm Hei Matau carved from Kawakawa Pounamu with a bird’s head and a notched blade. A taonga that honours the provider across land and sea.
In stock
Description
Carved from Kawakawa Pounamu and measuring 70mm long, this Hei Matau takes on a form rooted in both land and sea. The shape holds true to the traditional hook, a symbol of the provider—especially in relation to kai moana (seafood) and the bounty of Tangaroa. But this piece carries a twist: instead of a point and barb, the sharp end features a notched blade, grounding the design not only in the ocean but also in the realm of land-based hunting and kai gathering.
At the top of the piece, a carved bird’s head emerges—an observant kaitiaki and a reminder of the bird as a hunter in its own right. Birds know the land and sea, moving between the two with ease. Here, the form becomes more than symbolic; it tells a story of provision, adaptability, and respect for the natural world.
Kawakawa Pounamu brings with it rich green depth and subtle patterning, grounding this taonga in strength and presence. Te Kaiwhakangau, meaning “The Hunter,” is for those who provide for others—who know how to gather, prepare, and protect. It’s a piece for someone whose life is tied to whenua and moana, to nourishment, and to care.
Size: 70mm
Material: Kawakawa Pounamu/Nephrite
Location: Hokitika
Carver: David Curtis
Additional information
| Weight | 0.2 g |
|---|
