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Story: Pounamu – jade or greenstone

Hei matau – necklace

Hei matau – necklace

The hei matau is a stylised form of a traditional Māori hook (matau). The term hei means an ornament for the neck.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Reference: I.002889

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Basil Keane, Pounamu – jade or greenstone – Implements and adornment, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/7689/hei-matau-necklace (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by Basil Keane, published 2 March 2009.