By Jennica Peterson  October 19th, 2009 6:00 am  |  Comments (1)

A hei matau pendant by Maori artist Hepi Maxwell.

The hei matau, or fish hook, is an important symbol to New Zealand’s indigenous Maori people. “The Maori fisherman was greatly respected because of his tireless efforts in catching food for his village. So the hei matau becomes a symbol of providing or prosperity,” says artist Hepi Maxwell, who is of Maori descent. Maxwell carves contemporary hei matau pendants (pictured) out of pounamu, a nephrite jade found in New Zealand. Visit him in his Creative Jade workshop on the North Island (call ahead). Pictured pendant costs $349. Creative Jade, 229 Vaughan Rd., Rotorua, New Zealand. 64/(0) 7-345-6622, creativejade.co.nz.

Photo by Maren Caruso.