Large Matau - Toi o ngā rangi - Summit of the heavens

Dear friend, Kia Ora

This large matau, (fishhook) is named Toi o ngā rangi which means summit of the heavens.

This stone is sourced from the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The smooth texture is very comforting therefore it is a wonderful touchstone piece. To care for it, it will benefit from a small rubbing of oil from time to time. Fondling the taonga will not only infuse it with your own energy and love, but it will also absorb the oils from your skin, increasing the sheen and making it truly yours.

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.