Large Matau - Kia tau te rangimarie ki a koutou - Peace be with you

Dear friend, Kia Ora

This large matau, (fishhook) is named Kia tau te rangimarie ki a koutou which means peace be with you.

This raw stone is Kahurangi, the Māori word for ‘precious’ or ‘prized possession’. It is the lightest green of the stone types with delicate translucency (when carved thinly). Endless combinations of Pounamu types occur, and no two pieces are the same guaranteeing that your Pounamu is unique. Within this block of stone, the colours range from a warm brown or tan, through to light creamy greens, and a deep dark green. This stone was sourced from the rivers of Tai Poutini ki te Raki, the northern region of the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The smooth texture is very comforting therefore it is a wonderful touchstone piece. The stone is authentic Ngāi Tahu Pounamu. Authentic New Zealand Pounamu displays a unique traceability code. The Ngāi Tahu authenticity code is: B200NGNK. It can be traced here: https://www.ngaitahupounamu.com/authentic/trace

The fishhook signifies abundance, nourishment, and strength. As such it represents protection, peace, prosperity, and good health. A fishhook is also a symbol that represents safe journey over water. Therefore, it is loved by travellers and seafarers.

The ocean surrounds New Zealand. On our land, there is a whole lot more water in our freshwater lakes and rivers. Therefore, fishing was very important to the Māori. Kai moana (fish and shellfish from the sea) played a very key role in nourishing the people.

Given the importance of the sea to Māori, it is easy to see why fishing was a precious activity. Thus, the evolvement and development of various hooks was prevalent within Māori culture.

Thousands of years ago, the ancestors of Māori journeyed out of South-East Asia and into the Pacific. They sailed in waka (canoes), and were some of the world's greatest canoe builders, navigators and mariners. Their ability to 'see beyond' the horizon was legendary. As such, the Matau is also symbolic of navigating our own lives with wisdom and insight. This is attained through spiritual development.