Polynesian Tiger Sharks Hei-Matau Carved Fossil Ivory Sailor's Talisman
Product Description
Fossil Walrus Ivory - $135.00
"The vast Pacific ocean would always remain the islanders' great solace, escape and nourishment, the amniotic fluid that would keep them hedonistic, and aloof, guarded, gentle and mysterious."The native peoples of the south Pacific, including Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, etc., are amongst the world's best ocean travelers. 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.
This is the rarest design of the fully carved three dimensional Hei-Matau. Look carefully and you will see two Tiger Sharks (one in positive space, and one in negative space). The Tiger Shark is thought to be one of the Gods of Polynesia.
Choose your fossil ivory from the many choices shown below. (Shown is Fossil Walrus Ivory rust crystalline.) It is fully carved 2 inches high, 3/4 inch wide and 1/4 inch thick. Comes with leather neck thong.
Of course, hand carved in our studio.
Scrimshaw Etching Options
These are our regular Scrimshaw Design Etchings. In addition to these designs, as an added option, you may send us a picture of your choice for a commission price quote.
Fossil Ivory Color Charts
Below are the available colors of our fossil ivories. Our high quality fossilized ivories have been reclaimed from the ground after sharing the earth for up to 30 millennia! Even after all this time, Fossil Ivory remains warm and sensuous organic ivory; it is not petrified. It has developed its beautiful colors by taking up minerals from the earth and these colors are impossible to match in any contemporary ivories by modern processes.
