Which Hei Matau is the most "New Zealandish"?

Question

Which site has the Hei Matau that are truest to the Maori tradition and can someone give me the history behind them? I would like to hear a New Zealanders perspective.

http://www.newzealand-jewellery.co.uk/p_details.php?pid=773

http://www.kiwitreasure.com/new_zealand_greenstone_fishhook_pendants.asp

Answer 1

Any place in NZ can offer you true Maori carvings in either traditional bone or the more expensive but better looking Pounamu (greenstone or jade from NZ). Pounamu is considered taonga (cultural treasure) in Maori culture and is protected in NZ therefore any carving bought in NZ from reputable retailers is sure to be genuine. The traditional bone carvings are made from whale bone and this continues today though the whale bones are found through natural means not by hunting the whales. The Hei Matau is but one design of Maori carving other include the Koru and Manaia plus some others each with there own spiritual meanings.

My advice is if you want to buy a genuine Hei Matau is to be sure to buy from a NZ website (both you have listed here are fine) or visit and ensure either the words Pounamu or NZ greenstone are used. Hope this is of a little help.