The stylized fish hook design, known as the Hei Matau, has its origins in Maori Legend. The legend holds that the north island of New Zealand was once a huge fish caught by Maui, the great Mariner, using only a woven line and a bone hook. For the Maori, the Hei Matau represents Strength, Prosperity, Fertility and a great respect for the Sea. It is worn by travelers to provide good luck and grant Safe Passage over Water.
I love these necklaces, and bought my first ones for myself and two close friends I kayak, snowboard and do all manner of outdoor craziness with. We've worn them pretty much nonstop since that time and they have become a symbol of our love for water and adventure and our bond as friends. I hope you guys or anyone you decide to give them to get as much out of the Hei Matau as we have.
These Hei Matau each come on an adjustable necklace cord, and are priced at $15.50 apiece (except for the Pounamu). Each necklace comes with an informational card describing the meaning of the symbols (particularly good for giving gifts) and standard shipping is just $6.95 no matter how many you order (You can also get UPS ground for $12.95, if you live in the U.S.. It's not really much faster, but it's got a tracking #). Simply click on the "add to cart" to add an item to your shopping cart. After an item has been added to your cart, you can checkout by clicking the "Shopping Cart" button at the top and pay with either PayPal or a credit card. Payments are processed securely through PayPal, and you should receive the necklaces within 2-9 days.
Figured I'd throw up a little past customer feedback here, Thanks to all of you guys. We'll do our best to make sure everyone else has as great an experience.
"I am so glad that you sent this e-mail to me because I was wishing
that I could let you know how impressed I was with your service. The
necklace is really beautiful. I have to admit that it is not for me,
but for my boyfriend. He got one @ a kayaking festival last year in CO,
but it broke just a few days before he set out for another summer in
the mountains. He is also 21, a big kayaker, and works as a
raft/mountain/rock climbing guide for a rafting company in Buena Vista.
I am hoping that it truly will give him safe travel over water because
they are so intense this year. I am really excited for him to get it!
...
The shipping was great. I have no complaints there!
As for your website, I really like that it was very simple to use. My
favorite part was that you gave a description behind what each piece
meant. That way I was sure on which one was the one he had before (and
that he still may need!). The paypal worked out perfect. I think it
would be pretty sweet if you had a quick section about you on there, to
let your customers know who you are and what inspired you to start up
this business. Other than that, I am completely satisfied. If I ever
need another necklace, I know where to go! Good luck on the river this
summer!"
---Leigh from Michigan
Thank you so much for your business. I was amazed at how quickly I
received my order. On to other matters, I bought the (twist) for
my fiance, who is over seas in Iraq, & I ordered the (twist with paua) for
myself. We LOVE LOVE LOVE them. We are actually planning on using them
for our wedding next summer, so get ready for a big order! We love the
idea of joining 2 groups for eternity. We think our family &
friends will as well! Y`all are amazing!
Megan
Chattanooga, tn
I am a firefighter and avid snowboarder and I just have to say that
your product is by far the best priced I have seen. One of my cadet
classmates and snowboarder had one of your Hei Matau necklaces and she
wears it for good luck everywhere. I was thinking about getting one and
I just went ahead and got it today and ordered my own. We do a lot of
lake/river rescues so it seemed perfect for work and for snowboarding.
Thanks for having such a great product, I am definately going to be
ordering some more.
Ned