Polynesian Hei-Matau Relief Sailor's Talisman With Opal

Fossil Walrus Ivory - $155.00

"The mysterious human bond with the great seas that the poets write about has a physiological base in our veins and in every living thing, where runs fluid of the same saline proportions as ocean water."

The native peoples of the south Pacific, including Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, etc., are amongst the world's best ocean travellers. For thousands of years they have used the stars in conjunction with the size and direction of ocean waves to navigate the vast open stretches of the Pacific Ocean. Like sailors everywhere, they wore Talismans to keep them safe on the sea.

There is one particular Talisman that is found in much the same style and shape all over the south Pacific; this is the sacred fish hook. Whether it is the Makau fish hook of Hawaii, or the Maori Hei-Matau from the coast of New Zealand, a sacred fish hook represents strength and great respect for the sea. For millennia it has been worn to provide good luck and safety for sailors. Our Hei-Matau is carved to stand out in relief from its background of your choice of Fossil Ivory. It has small carved lines along its side, representing the challenges you will have to face on your way (so it is also a ripo ripo), and is embellished with one of our beautiful blue/green opals. Please note that each freeform opal is a little different in shape - so each Hei-Matau is a little different from every other. 1 1/2 inches high, 3/4 inch wide and 1/8 inch thick. Shown in Fossil Walrus Ivory - Rust Crystalline. Comes with leather neck thong.

Of course, hand carved in our studio.