{"product_id":"hei-matau-pounamu-pendant-by-sands-carving-studio-1","title":"Hei Matau Pounamu Pendant | by Sands Carving Studio","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful Hei Matau pendant has been carved from New Zealand pounamu (greenstone\/ jade) \u003cspan\u003eby Sands Carving Studio founded by carver Alex Sands- Ngāti Kahungunu o Te Wairoa, English, Scottish and Irish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Matau is the Māori name for fish hook, and Hei Matau is the fish hook in pendant form. Fish hooks were made using wood, stone, shell or bone. Legend tells of the demigod Māui, who used a hook made from his grandfather’s jawbone to fish the North Island of New Zealand from the depths of the sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Matau is a symbol of determination, strength, provision, and safe travel over water. The wearer provides friendship, support in times of need and love. As a result prosperity ensues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlex Sands- Ngāti Kahungunu o Te Wairoa, English, Scottish and Irish was\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eraised in New Zealand and for a time in China. It was while in China his love for creating began in soft stone carving. He carved small intricate things with basic tools, files and small chisels. At the age of 12 he was inspired by the jade creations of the world and the pounamu creations of his Māori ancestors.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe was then given the opportunity to learn from one of the master jade carvers at the age of 13. Alex has since gained his diploma in Māori wood carving. Alex enjoys using one material to complement another, whether merging stone with bone or simply the colour of the cord used with a pendant. Natural New Zealand materials allow a diverse range of colour, character and use for jewellery, weapons, tools or musical instruments, all changing their intensity with age.\u003c\/span\u003e                     \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMade in New Zealand\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sands Carving Studio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45266359845055,"sku":"325242","price":580.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0355\/4193\/files\/325242HeiMatauPounamuPendantbySandsCarvingStudio1.jpg?v=1773111837","url":"https:\/\/store.aucklandmuseum.com\/products\/hei-matau-pounamu-pendant-by-sands-carving-studio-1","provider":"Auckland Museum Online Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}