Hei-Matua! Do you wear one?

[waverider]

Last Saturday morning my other half, was searching the internet and came across the Hei-Matua. After reading that it represents " safe journey over water" she wants me to order 2 of them for us. Personally, I dont have a problem wearing one. They are quite attractive as jewelry but I wonder how many other sailors wear them and are aware of them.

Since we are from the other side of the world, I have never heard of the Hei-Matua before. Have I been out of the loop? or is this just a tourist tringket.

[waverider]

Wow! 65 views and no opinions or replies to the post. I think I am going to have to ask a New Zealander. Since it is there folklore, maybe a member from New Zealand can shed some light on this for me.

Christina did find a very nice tatoo of the Hei Matua, now she wants us to get matching tatts instead of just the neckless.......lol. So before I go and get my body tagged with it, I would love some feedback.

http://www.tattootribes.com/tattoo.p...&idmmedia=1579

Cheers

Todd

[svAlegria]

I saw one when we were in Asheville, NC on our trip back to the states. I had already purchased way too much so I passed. Kind of wished I would have got it. Get the jewlery not the tattoo.

Dan
Currently in Curacao
www.svalegria.com

[S/V Willow]

Hi Todd. Hmm well I come from NZ and I have actually owned a Hei Matua not knowing the meaning of it all as a youngster then. They are extremely popular as an article of jewellery and if it brings you comfort to wear one go ahead but I am of the belief that is won't actually do anything along the lines of keeping waters calm. Call me a cynic! I would definitely go for the jewellery and not the Tattoos but I am an avid hater of tattoos so I might be slightly biased! Good luck.

[delmarrey]

Don't know about the superstition factor but there are many versions of the things. The two in the middle here are a couple examples that I've picked up over the years traveling around the Philippines. The one on the right has a whale carved into it.

As for the tat, don't do it. It's just become a fad that will die out and will be known as an old peoples thing some day, just like long hair (on men) is now!
There's nothing worse then an old woman with fadded out tats.

[waverider]

Too funny! Well the Tat idea is out as of last week. I have ordered two of the neckless's for us, the boss wants them.....lol