This Koru and Hei Matau/Hook combination breastplate pendant is 57mm long and 108mm wide. It has been carved from pounamu we have collected from the Marsden Valley in the Paroa Area just outside of Greymouth, on the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand. It is the Putiputi Pounamu - The 'Marsden Flower Jade' and is called this due to the intense greens and unique golden, yellow, orange and creamy colours (the flower) in the stone which is found in the Marsden Area.
The Koru and Hei Matau/Hook combination Breastplate has an extremely strong waxed nylon cord so the pendant can be worn ALL the time - even in any kind of water. It is four strands of cord that have been hand platted into a special, round, 4-plait. The cord is adjustable by pinching the special knots between your thumb and finger and pulling.
On one side of the breastplate is the traditional ridge-knot binding. This was one of the bindings used by the Maori to attach the pounamu to wooden and bone handles to use as tools and weapons.
Pendant Meaning: The Breastplate gives the wearer strength and offers them protection through their life. It is like a shield.
The Koru represents the new shoots of the fern plant opening so it symbolises growth, harmony and new beginnings. It also represents the family as a whole, an individual person, an event, time, place, accomplishment or achievement that has happened in your life. They were traditionally tattooed on the body and carved in the main poles and panels in the Whare/house. The Maori had an oral language. They told their life story from the Koru's that had been carved and tattooed. It is up to the person to tell the story of what their Koru represents.
The Hei Matau/Hook represents strength and determination. It brings peace, prosperity, good health to the wearer. It also provides the wearer with a safe journey through life - both a safe journey especially over water and also helping the wearer through any hardships and tough times they may face on their journey through life.