26mm Maori Hei Matau Jade Fish Hook Koru Pendant 26-27"

NOTE: The Fish Hook's Pointed Tip is Sharp. The Shell in the Item's Picture is Used for Background Purposes Only and is Not Included. Brand New, Never Used Māori Designed Jade Fish Hook Replica Pendant. 100% Solid, Natural Canadian Nephrite Jade (Not Treated, Not Colored). Design: Māori Hei Matau With...

NOTE: The Fish Hook's Pointed Tip is Sharp. The Shell in the Item's Picture is Used for Background Purposes Only and is Not Included. Brand New, Never Used Māori Designed Jade Fish Hook Replica Pendant. 100% Solid, Natural Canadian Nephrite Jade (Not Treated, Not Colored). Design: Māori Hei Matau With Single Koru; Cutout, Openwork, Reversible Design, Tapered Thickness and Sides, Hand-Cut and Hand-Carved Design, Rounded Curved-Dome Shape, Tapered Shank, Intricate Carved Detailing, Hand-Woven Necklace Cord, Smooth Surface Polished Finish, Durable Waxed-Twine Adjustable Cord, Jade Bead Closures, Adjustable Lengths; Symbolism: The Hei Matau: Represents Strength, Prosperity, Abundance, Fertility, a Great Respect for the Sea, Provides Good Luck, Safety When Traveling Over Water. A Symbol of Power and Authority. For the Māori, the Hei Matau is Taonga (a Cultural Treasure). The Koru Element: The Koru (Curl) Represents the Unfolding of New Life, New Beginnings, Harmony, Personal Growth, Strength, Peace, Tranquility and Movement That is Shared with Another Person (Eternal Friendship). Jade Grade: AA+/AA (The Grading of Nephrite Jade Does Not Use the Same Grading Methods for Grading Jadeite. For Example a B+ Grade for Nephrite Indicates a Natural Darker Color Appearance Vice a B+ Grade for Jadeite Which Indicates the Jade Piece Was Chemically Bleached to Remove Impurities and Then Impregnated With a Polymer to Enhance Translucency. Nephrite Jade is Based on Indicators of Overall Color and Quality of Appearance and How Intricate the Overall Carved Piece is Designed, All Nephrite Jade is Natural in Color and is Untreated and Not Enhanced in Any Way. The Lighter and More Translucent the Nephrite Jade Piece is, the More Valuable its Price; The Darker the Nephrite Jade is, the More Cost-Effective and Lower it is in Price; Measures: Hook is Approx. 26mm Widest (Approx. Just Over 1.0" Widest) X 4.9mm Thickest X Approx. 1 5/8" Long; Size: Necklace Cord is Approx. 26.0-27.0" Long and is Downward Size Adjustable to Your Length as Desired; Weight: Approx. 10.1-10.4 grams Total. In Hawaiian, the Words "Nani e makahehi 'ia ai" Means "Alluring", "Mai nā kūpuna mai" Means "Traditional" and "Miki`oi" Means "Skilled Detailed Craftsmanship", All of Which Describe This Pendant and Necklace Combination Design Exactly! This Beautiful Hand-Carved Design Features a Jade Fish Hook Pendant Crafted With a Smooth, Surface Polished Finish Background. This Labor-Intensive Design Features a New Zealand, Māori "Greenstone" Hei Matau (Nephrite Jade Fish Hook) Replica Pendant. This Labor-Intensive Hei Matau Creation is Hand-Cut, Hand-Carved and Hand-Shaped Into a Traditional Māori Design Using a Single Piece of Nephrite Jade From Canada, Which is Attached With a Khaki-Tan Colored Lashing and Cordage to Enhance the Detailing. This Untreated Jade Piece Displays a Superb, Semi-Translucent, Light-Medium Green Color Background With Black-Mottled Spots and Streak Overtones Throughout, Which is Completely Natural. The Hook is Crafted With a Tapered Sides Shape Displaying a Narrow Upper Shank, Thicker Shank Curve and Narrowing Again at the Flared Hook's Point. The Facing Mid Portion of the Shank is Carved (Grooved) Inwards to Create a Separation Border, Which Defines the Integrated Koru (Curl). The Middle Inner Portion of the Shank is Carved to Continue the Koru's Inner Curl. The Pendant is Securely Mounted to an Intricately Hand-Plaited and Lashed Polynesian-Style Adjustable, Khaki-Tan Kaula (Rope, Cordage, String). The Kaula is Crafted With a Braided, Double-Strand of Durable and Lasting Waxed-Nylon Yarn. The Adjustable Necklace's Closure Ends Are Crafted With Two Round, Smooth Carved Nephrite Jade Beads and One Round, Smooth Carved Nephrite Jade Stopper to Accentuate the Overall Appearance. This Pendant is Reversible and Can be Worn to Display the Hook Point Facing Towards the Right or Reversed to Display the Hook Point Facing to the Left as Desired. About Māori Carvings: Carvings are a traditional and often sacred craft practiced by some of the more ancient native tribes around the world. Māori carvings date back to the original settlers of New Zealand or Aotearoa in Māori, meaning “Land of the Long White Cloud”. These settlers arrived around the 12th century and legend states they came from Hawaiki, the sacred homeland in the pacific. The art of carving, for the Māori is something very special and unique. Each piece is full of symbolism and meaning. In almost all types of art forms today, you can see unmistakable shapes and distinct flow lines of Māori Art. Today, with modern tools, carving has been taken to new heights, with some of New Zealand's top carvers creating spectacular pieces. One can never truly compare the skilled beauty and sacredness of the antique artwork from the Tupuna (Ancestors). They created the base and the knowledge to share what is now seen in New Zealand native art today. Carvings by the New Zealand Māori are some of the most beautiful wearable art works available today and come in a wide variety of styles from very traditional pieces to the more contemporary or modern styles. The pre-European Māori had no written language so tribal history and the stories of the gods were kept using many forms of fine arts and crafts ranging from basket and cloth weaving to complex wood, bone, shell and jade carving. These artifacts were then handed down through generations of elders and became Taonga (Sacred Objects or Treasures), telling the history of a tribe and taking on the spirits of past great leaders and warriors who had worn them. Pendants, jewelry and various tools such as needles, spear tips and fish hooks developed into a fine art form with great importance being placed on every piece, many of which took years to make using stone tools. Some have inlays of precious stones or colorful Paua Abalone shell and all have a story or meaning behind their design. The Māori have a great respect for nature and have many legends about the creation of the earth and all its inhabitants. Many of these legends revolve around the spirits or gods who created or protect each part of their world such as the mountains, the forests, the lakes and the creatures of the sea. It is believed that a carving which is worn with respect or given and received with love, takes on part of the spirit of those who wear or handle it. In this way it becomes a spiritual link between people spanning time and distance. A carving that has been worn by family or tribal members over many generations contains the spirit of all of those people and is truly a great and powerful treasure. About the Hei Matau: A hei matau is a Bone, Shell, or Jade carving in the shape of a highly stylized fish hook typical of the Māori people of New Zealand. Hei (meaning to wear around the neck) - Matau (meaning fish hook). Māori designs typically always carry a spiritual meaning. The fish hook shape of the hei matau finds its origins in Māori 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. For the Māori, the hei matau is taonga (a cultural treasure). It representsnot only their land, but also signifies abundance, strength and determination, prosperity, fetility, and to bring peace and good health. The hook is also believed to be a good luck charm for catching positive energy, and for providing a safe passage over water. They also denote the importance of fishing to Māori, and their relationship to Tangaroa - god of the sea. Traditionally, bone hei matau were carved from whale bone. They came in several different forms ranging from the plain and utilitarian, used for catching fish, to the highly ornate, which served as treasured family heirlooms. Today, their main use is ornamental and they are commonly worn around the neck not only by Māori, but also by other New Zealanders who identify with the hei matau as a symbol of New Zealand. In contemporary times, hei matau are commonly carved from Cattle Bone, Paua Abalone Shells or "Greenstone" (New Zealand Nephrite Jade). About the Koru Element: The Koru (Curl), Which is Often Used in Māori Art as a Symbol of Creation, is a Scroll Shape That is Linked to New Zealand Fern Plants; Specifically, the New Zealand Silver Fern. The Shoot of the Fern Has a Curled-over Tip which Unfurls to Eventually Become a Fern Leaf. As it Reaches up Towards the Light, the New Fern Shoot Strives for Perfection to Encourage New Positive Beginnings. The Spiral Circular Shape Conveys the Geometry of Life Being a Sacred Creation and the Idea of Perpetual Movement. The Inward Coil Suggests a Return to the Point of Origin. The Koru Therefore Symbolizes the Way in Which Life Both Changes and Stays the Same. The Koru is an Integral Symbol in Māori Carvings and Tattoos and the Shape is Often Carved Using Bone, Shells, or Jade. Overall, the Koru Represents the Unfolding of New Life, New Beginnings, Harmony, Personal Growth, Strength, Peace, Tranquility and Movement that is Shared with Another Person (Eternal Friendship). Everything is Reborn and Continues, a Renewal and Hope for the Future. Most carvings combine elements from several areas of mythology which interact with each other to tell a story. Each element has its own specific meaning and the way they are portrayed or combined is what gives a carving its own special character. The meanings of some elements vary from region to region but all share common roots. About Nephrite Jade: A fine-grained, calcium-rich, magnesium, iron, aluminous amphibole. All jade is composed of fine-grained, highly inter-grown, interlocking "matted" or "felted" texture crystals. Though not very hard, jade is one of the toughest gem minerals known because of the inter-grown nature of the individual crystals. The name nephrite is derived from the Greek "nephros" (kidney) via Latin "Lapis nephriticus" (kidney stone and Spanish "Piedra de ijada", and appears to have been based on the ancient belief that it served as a remedy for alleviating or curing kidney diseases, especially for kidney stones. Colors of Nephrite Jade range from pure white to mainly grays and greens (and occasionally yellows, browns or whites) colors. The majority of nephrite will be medium dark green with mottled or banded color streaks, mottled black streaks are common. Nephrite is one of the longest wearing of any gem material. Nephrite jade is an ornamental stone, used in carvings, beads, or cabochon cut gemstones. Nephrite is usually opaque to translucent in thinner pieces. The chromophore in all nephrite jade is usually iron. The darker pieces are mostly made up of iron rich (up to 5% iron content) actinolites, the lighter pieces contain more of the magnesium rich tremolites. The jade's luster appears greasy or oily on polished surfaces. In general, per carat values for nephrite gems are modest. The highest prices in jewelry pieces go to those with the greatest translucence and most pleasing colors or patterns or those that have been artistically carved. In art objects, the delicacy of the carving and antiquity of the piece determines value. Canada, United States, Mexico, and Australia are major world producers. The Polar and Kutcho mines, located east of Dease Lake in northern British Columbia, Canada is currently the world's major producer of nephrite. The wide distribution and useful properties of nephrite account for the world-wide usage of this stone by ancient cultures. Archeologists have retrieved tools and artworks made of nephrite in locations from Switzerland to New Zealand, the Americas, and Asia. During Neolithic times, the key known sources of nephrite jade in China was used to create many utilitarian and ceremonial objects, ranging from indoor decorative items to jade burial suits. Nephrite jade in the Hawaiian and New Zealand Maori languages is known as Pounamu (aka New Zealand Greenstone) and is highly valued, playing an important role in Maori culture. It is considered a taonga (treasure) and is protected, under the Treaty of Waitangi for close monitoring from exploitation. Nephrite was found at the South Island of New Zealand in an area the Maori called Te Wai Pounamu "The (land of) Greenstone Water". Nephrite weapons, tools and ornaments were made of it; in particular the Mere (short club), and the Hei-tiki (neck pendant). These were believed to have their own mana (spiritual powers), handed down as valuable heirlooms, and often given as gifts to seal important agreements. Over the ages, nephrite, apparently because of its great toughness, found wide use as tools, including sacrificial knives and weapons, the sarcophagus for Czar Alexander III was carved from nephrite jade. The Diplodocus Bar, in Medicine Bow, Wyoming features a "solid jade" bar that is about 40 feet long and carved from a single piece, reported to be a 4 1/2 ton boulder of nephrite jade. Nephrite jade is the official state gemstone of Wyoming and the "provincial stone" of British Columbia. Nephrite jade is the historical Chinese Jade, or "Stone of Heaven", a stone revered by the Chinese for more than 7,000 years, which attained a position in the religious and cultural life of these people that has not been seen with any other natural substance in any other time or culture as an object of affection and reverence. Jade is the birthstone for Virgo and the anniversary gemstone for the 12th, 30th and 35th year of marriage. Jade is said to help one relax and stabilize emotions. It is considered a very balanced stone, it helps one in both the vision of tasks to do as well as doing the actual tasks. Jade has been thought of as the concentrated essence of love. In China, jade is regarded as a special stone. It is believed that when handled some of the secret virtue of the substance is absorbed into the body. Legends have it that the Spanish conquers of Central America wore amulets of Jadeite to prevent/cure hip and kidney complaints. Jade is the official State Gemstone of Alaska and Wyoming. It is the Canadian State Gemstone of British Columbia. Jade Care and Cleaning Tips: Nephrite gems or art objects require no real special care. Do not use a ultrasonic cleaner! Using very mild soap and warm water is the easiest and safest cleaning solution to remove body oils or dirt after use. Use a soft cloth or towel to dry. Better to take jade off when you are cooking or cleaning. Avoid bumping on hard surfaces as jade is tough, but delicate. As with most jewelry, jade should be kept free from perspiration, cosmetics, lotion, dust and dirt and avoid chemical cleaners at all costs. Be sure to store your jade in a fabric-lined case or in a box with dividers or separate compartments, the jade’s surface may be scratched by other jewelry, and keep it in an area with some relative humidity to protect it. Purchase Assurance of Quality: As Each of These Jade Pendants are Hand-Cut and Hand-Carved, Each One is Unique to the Next; There are Distinct Variations in the Jade's Carving Shape and Appearances, and Differences in the Jades Background Colors and Overtones, Which are Approximately Represented in the Item's Picture. The Item's Picture Provides All the Main Appearance Characteristics that is Provided in Each Hand-Carved Jade Pendant Purchased. Makes a Great Gift or Treat Yourself to Start or Add to Your Collection of Fine Replicated Maori Carved Jewelry. Hand-Carved with "Tikanga" ("the Māori way of doing things"). Required Shipping Insurance Will Protect Item's Cost Value Against Shipping that is Lost, Stolen or Damaged by Others. Please Understand I Should Not Be Held Responsible For Delivery Time Once Your Order Has Shipped as I am Not the Individual Delivering Your Package. I Ship Twice a Week on Wednesdays and Saturdays; and Daily During the Christmas Shopping Season. USPS Express Delivery (2-Days Guaranteed) From Hawai`i for All U.S. Addresses.

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If You are Not Completely Satisfied With Your Purchase, Return This or Any Other Jewelry Item Within a Combined Invoice (Excluding All Earrings, Toe Rings and Belly Rings) in its Original, Unworn Condition Upon Receiving Your Package Within 7-days After Delivery Date for an Exchange, Credit or Refund of the Item’s Cost (Less All Shipping and Insurance Costs To/From You and eBay/PayPal Seller Fees). Return Body Jewelry (Earrings, Toe Rings and Belly Rings) Items Only Upon Receiving Your Package Within 7-days After Delivery Date for Only an Exchange and Only If Received in a Condition That Immediately Fails to Meet Expectations of Construction Integrity or Workmanship. Unless Otherwise Noted, All Other Non-Body Jewelry Items Have a FULL 30-day Reliability Warranty. If Any Jewelry Item, by Itself (Without External Cause), Fails to Meet Expectations of Workmanship Within 30-days After the Delivery Date, Please Return the Item/s for Exchange or FULL 100% Refund of the Item’s Cost (Including All Shipping and Insurance Costs To/From You). Please Feel Free to Email me if You Have Any Questions. Live Aloha! Regardless of the Unlimited Quantities You Purchase, Unless Otherwise Noted, FLAT Rate Shipping Only Applies to All of my eBay Store and Auction "Jewelry" Items. Please Email me if You Require Any Assistance With Your Checkout Transaction or if Requesting an Invoice Total and Note if You Want First Class, Priority, or Express Shipping and Include Shipping Insurance. Completed Items Paid Separately by the Customer Cannot Be Combined After-the-fact and No Refunds Will Be Offered. Please Ensure You Wait Until All Your Bidding Auctions Have Ended and/or You Have Completed All of Your eBay Store Shopping Before You Process or Request a FLAT Shipping Rate Checkout Invoice. One Gift Box Total is Included with Every FLAT Rate Invoice: Due to Package Size Limitations (Email Me if You Have a Specific Item Requiring a Gift Box). All U.S. FLAT Rates are First Class $3.85, Priority $6.75, Express $19.00. All Canadian FLAT Rates are First Class $4.75, Priority $11.95. All International FLAT Rates are First Class $5.50, Priority $13.95. Regardless of the Unlimited Quantities Purchased, Required FLAT Rate Shipping Insurance for $2.20 U.S. and $3.00 Canada/International Will Protect the Entire Cost Value of All Invoiced Item/s.