This fabulous Maori Bone Albatross Hook Pendant is carved by local artist, David Taylor.

David is of Taranaki Maori/ Scottish descent, and his designs are strongly influenced by his Maori background. 

The design is essentially a Maori Hei Matau ( fishhook pendant).  The spiritual meaning behind the hook design is one of strength and determination.  It is also a good luck charm, believed to confer safe travel over water.

But look closer, and you see that the pendant incorporates a creature very important to the Maori - the albatross (toroa).  The Albatross represented beauty and power to the Maori, and the wearing of an albatross pendant is believed to confer those qualities on the wearer.  Because the feathers were so scarce, only chiefly tribal members could wear the beautiful, white albatross feathers in their hair.  The birds were caught out at sea, and every part of their body was made use of.

This Albatross Hook design has been very finely carved, as you can see from the photo.  The pendant rests on a handwoven flax muka ( fibre) cord with adjustable toggle closure.  The pendant measures approximately 3 3/8" x 1 5/8" (85mm x 40mm).