Matau: (Maori, Marquesan, Tahitian), hook.
The term, also matau in Samoan and makau in Hawaiian, refers to a hook, typically a fish hook, which was a vital asset for people living on the rich Pacific Ocean.
Considering how rich the Polynesian Ocean was, it is not surprising to see how important the fish hook was as a symbol.
Prosperity and Abundance
Since having a fish hook meant being able to tap into the seemingly endless source of food from the ocean, the most common meaning for this tool is prosperity and abundance.
Knowledge and Understanding
It's not the only one actually: Polynesian people were great observers and often saw likeness and similarities among different aspects of life, which became the base for stories, teachings and traditional lore.
For example, in Maori language the word matau refers to knowledge, understanding: the fish that gets caught and remains hooked reminds of a concept which, once acquired, does not go away but sticks to one's mind.
On this account fish hooks are also symbolic of knowledge and understanding.
Union, Meeting, Reconciliation
Another important symbolism related to fish hooks comes from their structure: they were often assembled using different materials like bone and polished shells tied together.
Polynesian traditional fish hooks from museum collections. Wood, seashell and bone.
Despite being made with different materials, fish hooks worked as a whole and each part was equally important. This is why fish hooks also symbolize union, meeting, and even reconciliation.
Fish Hook Variants
Usage Examples
Tiki and fish hook are a popular combo to symbolize protection and prosperity:
The row of fish next to the fish hook clearly identifies it here as a symbol of prosperity:
A manaia and a hammerhead shark joined together shape this fish hook shaped tattoo:
This tattoo of the Hawaiian islands and IM symbol from Ironman Hawaii was integrated with a fish hook shaped tattoo representing prosperity and coming together:
You can click on the photos to read the full description of each tattoo.
