Matau - Tu Pakari - Stand Firm
Dear friend, Kia Ora
This large matau, (fishhook) is named Tu Pakari which means to stand firm.
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.
A manaia is emerging from the base of the taonga. The manaia, (or messenger), is the profile of a Tiki. This is symbolic of being half in this world and half in the spirit world. Manaia can be adapted with other symbols and stylized to communicate different meanings. It has inlays of pounamu for the eyes. They depict having a sparkle within the eye.
There is an inlay of some lovely transparent pounamu balancing out the carving. This is symbolic of nourishment and strength. In times past, hooks were sometimes decorated to attract fish.
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 ultimately attained through spiritual development.
Dear friend, Kia Ora
This large matau, (fishhook) is named Tu Pakari which means to stand firm.
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.
A manaia is emerging from the base of the taonga. The manaia, (or messenger), is the profile of a Tiki. This is symbolic of being half in this world and half in the spirit world. Manaia can be adapted with other symbols and stylized to communicate different meanings. It has inlays of pounamu for the eyes. They depict having a sparkle within the eye.
There is an inlay of some lovely transparent pounamu balancing out the carving. This is symbolic of nourishment and strength. In times past, hooks were sometimes decorated to attract fish.
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 ultimately attained through spiritual development.
Dear friend, Kia Ora
This large matau, (fishhook) is named Tu Pakari which means to stand firm.
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.
A manaia is emerging from the base of the taonga. The manaia, (or messenger), is the profile of a Tiki. This is symbolic of being half in this world and half in the spirit world. Manaia can be adapted with other symbols and stylized to communicate different meanings. It has inlays of pounamu for the eyes. They depict having a sparkle within the eye.
There is an inlay of some lovely transparent pounamu balancing out the carving. This is symbolic of nourishment and strength. In times past, hooks were sometimes decorated to attract fish.
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 ultimately attained through spiritual development.
The carving comes with a four-plait cord which features a fully adjustable slip knot system to enable to a perfect fit around any size neck. It also comes with a signed certificate of authenticity.
I wish you and your whānau the deepest peace and happiness.
Arohanui
Andrew Doughty
Database Reference: 100-718
