Tourist locations in the pacific islands are full of trinkets to purchase, and I happened across one such market. In this particular one, there was a display of a few fish hooks. Now, like any other good American, I saw the Disney Animated show featuring Maui and therefore felt I had a good understanding of this cultural symbol. Maui caught a giant fish using only a string and a fish hook carved from the jawbone of this grandmother and proudly wears this as a necklace pendant around his neck. It also seems highly appropriate as the primary means for food in most island cultures is the art of fishing, so yeah, a fish hook. Similar to a plains Indian wearing an arrowhead.
However, this fishhook thing caught my attention. Decided to investigate a little further. Most historians believe the myth originated from New Zealand and is called Hei Matau. A carving of a fishhook from whale bone or other material is used to signify many things. Interesting note that the Hawke Bay, on the Northern Isle of New Zealand actually looks like a fish hook and it is claimed that this is where Maui caught the great fish. The island itself, called Te Ika a Maui, is translated the Fish of Maui. Does not really look like a fish to me, but interesting note nonetheless.
This all originates from a culture believed to be created by the Maori people. They are probably not the single ancestor of the Polynesian people, but their influence is significant. They were clearly an adept group of shipbuilders, fisherman, and subject to a good case of wanderlust now and then. They helped populate many of the pacific islands. Their culture is fascinating, complex yet simple. What I find fascinating is the uniqueness. Feels like, somewhere in the roots of it all, was a great leader or two that landed on the coast of one of the islands of New Zealand and decided to create their own culture, with their own rules, their own stories. It is absolutely unique and the more you learn about it, the more powerful some of the symbolism can be.
Back to fishhooks. Worn around the neck, the symbol represents strength, good luck, and safety in travels (like on water). I like it, I bought one and I am going to wear it on a morning run and see if it helps! I started to consider symbols. They seem to be a powerful aspect to humanity. The Maori people seemed to be very deliberate about the creation and use of symbols. The more I think about it, all cultures of humankind are the same way. Best put by Kenneth Burke – “man is a symbol using an abusing animal.”
So what symbol or simulacra is important to me? What symbols do I use, or misuse on a regular basis. That is an interesting thought, and I am realizing more and more of them as I go about my day. There are many symbols that I surround myself with. Some are corporate trademarks, some are religious icons, some are markers of currency, and others provide me entertainment. Should I be more deliberate about my use of symbols? I have a language, I guess that is also a set of symbols organized by cultural rules. Perhaps I can improve my way in life by selecting what symbols drive my daily routine, my daily commitments? That is too difficult of a thought to grapple with on vacation, so instead I will just do what every other white man has done for thousands of years. “Borrow” good ideas from another culture and use them to my advantage of course! Guess I am wearing a fishhook now.
Guy Reams
