The Hei-Matau was a fish-hook shape carved out of ivory, bone shell, or wood. Over time, those carvings have become ornate and are used as jewelry.  To the Maori people, who are the native people of New Zealand, the Hei-Matau is a cultural treasure.  The symbol represents several ideas including strength, safe passage over water, and good luck.  It's origins come from Maori legend, which holds that the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner Maui.  He managed this amazing feat using only a woven line and a hook made...