The Meaning Of Fish Hook Necklace in Polynesian Culture
Posted by Anna on 20th Mar 2023
The fish hook necklace is among the most well-known and iconic ones in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. The fish hook necklace, also known as makau, is frequently carved out of different materials. What, though, does the fishhook represent?
What is it?
Hawaiian Fish Hook
Although they go by various names, the fish hook necklace has the same connotations throughout Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures. The fish hook is commonly referred to as "hei matau" by the Maori people of New Zealand. Our ancestors had a legend about the great sailor Maui who raised the island of New Zealand from the depths of the ocean using only a hand-carved hook and a woven thread. For the Maori people, the hei matau is a national treasure that symbolizes not just their homeland but also prosperity and a safe route across the ocean.
Modern fish hooks, which were once almost solely made of whale bones but are now nearly entirely made of more prominent and ethically produced cattle bones. There are some exceptions, though; occasionally, one can carve hooks out of whale bones that have washed up on the shore.
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Hawaii's Makau Hook's history
Makau Hook
Similar to this, the Hawaiian fish hook has a long history and is revered in holy Hawaiian mythology. The fish hook that is typically used in Hawaii is referred to as a Makau. However, Maui employs a Manaiakani throughout Hawaiian mythology. During a fishing trip with his brothers, Maui uses his hook to bring up the islands now known as the Hawaiian Islands, just like in the Maori legend from New Zealand.
These ancient fishing hooks were first used by Hawaiian fishermen, who eventually transformed them into necklaces to wear for good fortune and secure ocean voyages. Nowadays, hook of Maui necklaces is even more in demand as one-of-a-kind presents for people all over the world.
What is the Meaning of Fish Hook?
Makau: The Fish Hook of Maui
Fish Hook
This unique good luck charm was created as a result of the Pacific Ocean's erratic activity and the changeable ways that fish behave. Makau is the name given to the fishhook symbol.
According to Hawaiian myth, the god Maui and his brothers went fishing. Using his miraculous hook makau, he caught the ocean floor. He raised the Hawaiian islands in this manner.
With such a creation myth, it is clear why Hawaiians hold the makau symbol in such high regard. Yet, the fish hook motif also stands for the relationship between people and the ocean, not just Maui's biggest catch. Moreover, the hook bestows wealth, luck, and sturdiness upon everyone who wears it.
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The Fish Hook Facilitates Safe Crossing of Water
Makau Hook
Nowadays, Hawaiian fish hook necklace symbols are carved using methods handed down through the years. Bone and koa wood, which has a deep golden tint and lovely grain patterns, are used to make hooks. After carving the basic shape of the hook, artisans add minute embellishments to the hooks to produce unique designs for each wearer.
A fish hook necklace absorbs the wearer's energy over time if they wear it. This spirit is incorporated into the talisman. The spirit of the family is passed down through the generations. Because of this, wearing a makau necklace ensures not only one's safety but also a link to one's ancestors and the spiritual force that unites us all.
The Fish Hook and the Stunning Culture of Hawaii
The fish hook necklace is a lovely representation of the value of the wealth of the ocean and alludes to the mythological origin of the Hawaiian islands. A makau necklace symbolizes both the connection between our ancestors across many generations and the significance of carving to native Hawaiians. The fish hook is a reliable and attractive shape that ties the past and present together and popularizes Hawaiian culture.
What Materials Are Used in the Production of Maui Hook Necklaces?
Hawaiian Fish Hook
These fish hooks were traditionally hand-carved from whale bones by fisherman as a tribute to the fact that the sea was a beautiful place and provided for all necessities, allowing the traditional Hawaiian people to be self-sufficient. Fishermen started making hooks out of wood, shells, precious stones, or even cattle bones once whales were declared a protected species.
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