Prosperity Hook Pendant

The Hei Matau, is the Maori symbol of prosperity, fertility, strength and safe passage over water. Traditionally made from bone or New Zealand's Pounamu (greenstone), the symbol is in the shape of a fishhook. This sterling silver rendition by Jeff McKenzie brings the symbol to the Pacific Northwest. Fish and fishing have always been an important part of Maori life and culture. One of our favorite fishing legends covers the creation of New Zealand by the Polynesian demi-god Maui.

The Fish of Maui -- Uneasy and suspicious because of Maui's magical powers, his brothers were loathe to have him accompany them fishing. Notwithstanding, Maui hid himself in the bottom of their canoe armed with an enchanted hook which had been shaped by the famous jawbone. He did not emerge until they were well out to sea and then urged his companions to go yet further and still further. At length a halt was made, the fishing began, and soon the canoe was filled with the catch. The brothers now wished to return but Maui desired to try his luck. He had no bait and the others refused to give him any; however, undeterred, he struck his nose and smeared the blood which gushed over the magic hook. This hook caught the home of Tonga-nui, grandson of Tangaroa, god of the ocean, and the fish that was hanging from the line of Maui was no less than a portion of the earth. The canoe came aground and Maui left his brothers with strict instructions neither to eat nor cut up the fish until he had made appropriate prayers and offerings to the gods. But the brothers disregarded these warnings, with the result that the fish started to toss about – hence the unevenness of the land today. This is now known as the North Island of New Zealand or Te Ika a Maui, the fish of Maui. The fish hook, according to legend, became the cape which now forms the southernmost tip of Hawke's Bay.

Reprinted from 'The Fish of Maui', from An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, originally published in 1966. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 22-Apr-09 For this and other legends please visit www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/1966/maui-legends-of/4

Jeff McKenzie is a craftsman, goldsmith, silversmith, jeweler, designer and graduate gemologist. Jeff is the manufacturer of North Coast Collection jewelry, and his own personal line including reticulated silver and other various gemstone and metal designs. He was a jewelry store owner/operator in Olympia, WA for 19 years and has been making jewelry since 1984. Before getting into the hands-on end of the business, Jeff worked for Zale Corp in their headquarters in Dallas, Texas then moved into retail jewelry sales before apprenticing as a goldsmith. He is passionate about making jewelry and is constantly striving to improve the quality of all the jewelry he makes. He is at his happiest at his wax carving bench designing new pieces.