Te Matau a Maui

A contemporary work of art, the Te Matau a Maui or The Fish Hook of Maui is an ancient Maori folklore. It is believed that Maui stowed away on a fishing boat while his four older brothers departed on a fishing expedition. Once they were far from land Maui revealed himself. With his enchanted fish hook which he had made from the jawbone of his great grandmother, papua shell eyes and a tuft of dog hair Maui cast his fishing line into the debts of the sea. It was said that as soon as the hook descended to the ocean floor it was devoured by a giant fish. The ocean foamed and boiled as Maui struggled to land this giant fish. This battle is the story of how the North, South and Stewart Islands of New Zealand came to arise. Te Matau a Maui represents wit, friendliness, a strong will and a determination to succeed until the end of life. This unique one piece laser woodcarving is created and signed by artisan Mike Carlton, a Ngati Whakaue descent of New Zealand. This signed artwork is crafted from New Zealand Kauri and embellished with papua (abalone) shell. This Fish Hook of Maui is a wonderful New Zealand accent for any home decor and a unique gift.

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