Whopper 60cm Maori Fish Hook Trophy

This Whopper 60cm Maori Fish Hook Trophy is an absolute stunner.  

At 60cm (23 1/2") tall, it is a really tall, standout piece to adorn your home or to gift to someone very, very special.

The perfect trophy or ornament, it would be a great corporate or business gift, retirement gift, wedding gift, birthday gift, anniversary present, etc.

Designed and made in New Zealand, the trophy is a contemporary representation of Te Matau a Maui (The fish hook of Maui). 

The Matau trophy has an intricate design, and super fine detail. It is made from tropical hardwood veneer plywood and medium density fiberboard (mdf). The fish hook is further embellished with Faux fur, as well as NZ Paua & Mother of Pearl laminate.

It is a truly beautiful trophy or ornament, and a fabulous souvenir of New Zealand.

The Maori Fish Hook carries a spiritual meaning, one of peace, good health, prosperity, and safe travel over water.  So it makes a fantastic trophy or ornament for any recipient.

The design inspiration came from ancient Maori folklore, particularly the exploits of Maui (half God/half man).

Maui stowed away when his four older brothers went out in their waka (canoe) to fish. When they were far from land Maui revealed himself and convinced his brothers  to paddle further out to the deepest sea, where the fish would be in abundance.

Maui carried an enchanted fish hook, which he had fashioned from the jawbone of his great grandmother.  It had paua (abalone) shell eyes to see to the depths of the ocean,  and a tuft of dog hair to keep the hook warm in the freezing depths and to retain the scent of the bait (blood from his nose).

As soon as Maui cast his fishing line, the hook descended to the ocean floor, where it was devoured by a giant fish. The ocean foamed and boiled as Maui struggled with all his strength to land the fish. Finally the fish yielded and floated to the surface.

That fish became New Zealand's North Island, Te Ika-a-Maui (the fish of Maui) , and the waka Te Waka a Maui (The canoe of Maui) is known as our South Island. Stewart Island is Te Punga a Maui (Maui's anchor).

Te Matau a Māui represents not only the land, but also prosperity, and safe passage over water. It denotes the importance of fishing to Māori and their relationship with Tangaroa (God of the sea).

Want it engraved for a special occasion?

Choose between the trophy only, or a trophy with an engraved gold or black plaque. Up to 16 words can be engraved on the plaque.  Enter those words in the box that opens up once you choose the engraved option.  Allow 3-4 days for engraving to be done.  Please note that engraved items cannot be returned.

Proudly made in New Zealand, and shipped worldwide.