Carvings made out of bone have a very special feel to them,
starting with their milky whiteness and their flowing lines.

They seem warm to the touch, though the polished pieces have a shine like crystal.
They seem to melt into you and become part of your body
when worn against the bare skin.
After a prolonged period of wearing the pendant absorbs
your body oils and takes on a honeylike, golden color.

According to the Maoris every piece of bone jewelry has a soul and spiritual power.

The Soul of each piece is a combination of the following two:
 

-         The Soul and strength of the Giver and

-         The Soul and the Strength of the person wearing it
 

Over time the “Mana” of the piece, the spiritual essence will change.

In Greenland it is called “Inua” The Spirit of things.

The Jewelry gets its “Mana” by the giver, the person that gives it as a present.
Due to the transfer of strength and energy there is formed
a close bond in between the giver and the one wearing it.

If you buy it for yourself you get an “empty” piece which over time
will absorb your own “Mana”.

If you wear the jewelry which you plan to give away yourself for
a while you will transfer your own “Mana” to it and form a much stronger bond.
Especially in between lovers and friends the energy and strength
of the relationship will become more powerful.

Even in present time Maoris hand bonecarvings with a strong
“Mana” from generation to generation.
The Strength, energy and vibrancy of such a piece is constantly
growing from one person wearing it to the next.

Depending on the design the strength and energy of each piece has a different aim.

The spiral for example means new life and growth
while the fishhook means luck and prosperity.

Other forms might symbolize Power, authority, fertility
or the overcoming of obstacles.

Even losing or finding such a piece has it’s meaning to the Maoris.
A bonecarving is choosing it’s wearer and stays where it belongs

When you have worn your jewelry for a while you will notice yourself
it's more then just a beautiful thing hanging around your neck.

Meanings of symbols

Hei-Matau –The fishhook
These very stylized   Maori bone carving fish hooks
represent strength, prosperity, abundance, fertility
and a great respect for the sea.

They were used as a practical tool for fishing and
were often decorated as a sign of respect for the
creatures of the sea.
Hei-Matau are also symbols of power and authority,
which are held in great reverence by the Maori people.
They are said to provide good luck and safety when
traveling over water.

They are often worn by travelers.

Koru – The Fern
The Koru represents the fern frond as it opens,
bringing new life and purity to the world.
It also represents peace, tranquility and spirituality
along with a strong sense of re-growth or new beginnings.

The Koru is also often associated with nurturing so when,
in a Maori bone carving, it is interlocked with others it is
frequently used to represent the strength and purity
of a loving relationship within a family.

It is often intertwined with other forms such as Twists
and Matau to tell a very special and powerful story.
And when combined with a closed circle it links love
and new life or new beginnings with the circle of life.
No beginning nor end. Seamless.
Of which we are all a part.

The circle also tells of the stars and planets, part of the circle of life,
and containing the knowledge of our origins.
For an artist the circle represents the relationship or oneness between
the artist and his craft, bringing together head, hand and heart.

As a gift, the Koru captures the depth of feeling of the giver. And the hope of new beginnings...

Twist

The twist with its crisscross form represents the many
paths of life and love and as such is regarded as the
original eternity symbol.

The single twist in particular shows the joining together
of two people for eternity.
Even though they sometimes move away from each other
on their own journeys, they will always come together again
sharing their lives and blending to become one.
It tells how the strength of bond of friendship, loyalty
and love will last forever.

The double and triple twists have a similar meaning,
but refer more to the joining of two peoples or cultures
rather than individuals.
Twists are often intertwined with other elements such as
Koru and Matau in Maori bone carving and combine to tell
a very special and powerful story.