Title: Maui’s Pacific Matau
Artist: Stephen Myhre 

Materials: Gold Lip Mother of Pearl Shell (Solomon Islands),
Gold Synthetic Cord, Bone Toggle

Dimensions: Full sized Shell - Display piece 
Width: 220 x Height: 180mm
(Can be hung on the wall)

Solomon Islands Mother of Pearl which I sourced when we lived in Solomons in 1987. There is the legend of Maui fishing up the North Island, Te Ika a Maui, but there are many stories of him fishing up other Islands over a wide range of the Pacific. The pre-colonial fishhooks of Maori are very like the fishhooks of the rest of the Pacific. Their symbolic meaning is abundance and plenty. The ornamental matau were used as ritual objects.

Please note: This piece is part of the current exhibition Myths & Legends which is on show from the 1st-31st May. These works will be available to pick up in store (Steph Lusted Jewellery & Objets d'Art, 17 Whitmore Street, Wellington) on Saturday 31st May. Otherwise, if you choose the shipping option, will be couriered out to you on Tuesday 3rd June. Thank you for your understanding. Please contact me directly if you need this piece before these dates. 

For International Interest from outside of New Zealand: Please contact me directly for a personalized shipping quote