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46
POUNAMU.
The hei[1] matau (Figure 22) is a neck ornament with the general shape of a fish-hook, but made in a large variety of shapes and sizes.
Figure 23Spells were recited over them, and they seem to have been regarded as charms to ensure success in sea-fishing. It has been suggested that the hook form commemorates
- ↑ For the significance of the word hei thus prefixed to a Maori word see page 55