Maori Taonga By Wanderer Imports
Prior to the introduction of written language with the arrival of the
Europeans, The Maori passed down their rich cultural heritage through symbols and artistically carved heirlooms known as “Taonga”. These symbols and carvings have a spiritual importance and are said to take on the spirit of the wearer,
particularly when worn with respect or given with love. The various symbols used for these carvings have particular meanings based on Maori mythology. The pendants are handcrafted in Bali from high quality beef bone, and are often worn as good luck charms or to symbolize friendship and new beginnings
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. (B1-B4)
Based on the shape of an unfurling baby fern, the spiral or Koru is a Maori
symbol of Creation, New Life, Rebirth, Growth and Peace. The circular shape
conveys perpetual motion through life, while the curling inward represents
a return to the origin. (B5-B6)
The Twist represents the many paths that life can take and the strength of friendship along these paths. The Twist represents the joining together of two people or groups for Eternity, telling the tale of how a bond of Friendship, Loyalty and Love will last forever. Sometimes the two paths will diverge, but will always come together eventually. This symbol is often exchanged between friends to indicate a long lasting bond. (B7)
To order (or view larger images of the jewelry) please click on the thumbnails on this page or the B1-B7 links on the left.
Customer Feedback:
I am very happy with the necklace, and will probably order others as gifts in the future...I first learned of your product from the ModernHiker website...
The product arrived faster than I would have expected, and I was quite pleased with that.
Scott from Rochester, NY
I loved the necklaces; so did my friends! You were very fast in shipping and I really loved the symbol explanation cards you enclosed with the jewelry. I have seen many explanations of the twist and yours was the most eloquent and personal. It really helped my friends understand the significance of this symbol.
I searched for Maori bone necklaces on Google and your site was one of the first I went to. To be quite honest, yours was the only place I found the inexpensive necklace I was looking for. When I was in New Zealand I bought a few for my sons for 3 New Zealand dollars and I just kicked myself for not getting them for my friends. Yours was the only place I felt that I wasn't being totally taken advantage of with the price! Thank-you!
I thought you were fantastic.
Jenny from Orem, Utah
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!
So, I heard about your website when I googled “maori” (with some other combination of words) and came upon a blog for mountain hikers in northern California. They mentioned your work and that you were a young guy(s) from NC and that you should be supported. So I took his advice and got to your website through the link he had posted.
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’s 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 Port Huron, Michigan
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