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necklace!
CUSTOM and TRADITION
The fish-hook shape of the hei matau finds its origins in Maori legend, which holds that the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner Maui using only a woven line and a bone hook. Legend holds that the shape of Hawke Bay is that of the hei matau, which caught in the fish's side on the beach. Fish hooks perpetuate the Maori way of life through contemporary jewelry. For the Maori, the hei matau is taonga (a cultural treasure). It represents not only their land, but also prosperity, fertility and safe passage over water. They also denote the importance of fishing to Maori, and their relationship to Tangaroa god of the sea. Ancient Polynesians believed that a bone necklace takes on part of the spirit of those who wear it. In this way, it becomes a spiritual link and should be handed down. The necklace becomes a spiritual link between people, spanning time and distance. A carving that has been worn by family members over many generations contains the spirit of all those people and is truly a great and powerful heirloom.
ISLAND FASHION TIP
Wearing the wrong length necklace with a particular neckline is probably the most common mistake people make when it comes to wearing jewelry. So... that's why we make this necklace adjustable.
THE BONE CARVING
Carving measures 30x50 mm or approximately1 1/4inch x2inches. This hand carved bone pendant is from the water buffalo, also known as the carabao. The bone we use is from the femur or large upper thigh bone, which is very dense with little marrow and cartilage. This makes for a better bone substance for carving and results in a higher quality product. The edges are smoothly rounded and the entire piece has a highly polished luster and feels good to the touch. The high density and fine grain of the bone is what gives it the ability to hold such high gloss polish. Over time, your bone pendant will "pick up" sebum, your body's natural oil. This will result in the pendant slowly taking on a slight soft honey golden hue. The more color it develops the more highly it is treasured. After a while your hook will reflect your body's distinctive signature, thus creating a one-of-a-kind necklace. This is one of the great beauties of bone crafted jewelry.
Note: Live animals are not harmed in creating this carving.
THE CORD and CLASP
Bone fish hook comes withyour choice ofadjustable soft cotton linen brownor black cord. Both adjust up to 28 inches. The adjustment on the brown cord is made with an oval white bone slider and 2 small round bone grips. The adjustment on the black cord is made with an oval black wood slider and 2 small round wood grips. To wear the necklace simply place the necklace over your head and then adjust the slider bead to the desired length. This makes for a perfect fit for any clothing style.
CARE and MAINTENANCE
The necklace is waterproof and can be worn swimming and at the beach. Rain and swimming will not harm the carving. Swimming with the pendant and then allowing it to dry rapidly in the sun is not good for the carving until it has been worn for 6 months against the skin. Avoid sudden or extreme temperature changes. To keep the shine on you carving slightly buff with a soft cloth once in awhile.
