Matau. Fish hook. The shank for the matau is cut from parau (mother of pearl shell) in a long narrow strip so as to include a part of the hinge (to form the thicker proximal end) as well as the area towards the lip of the shell (at thinner end). Sides of the parau shank have been ground down smooth, and polished to achieve desired colour and size. Grooves are cut into the shank at thinner end for lashing. One hole is drilled at the hinge to attach taura tautai (fishing line) and long end of the snood. Dark coloured parau is cut and ground down to make the nio (hook point). Three holes are drilled through the side of the nio through which twine is lashed through to secure the nio to the base of the shank. The snood and extra taura tautai of cotton twine run the length of the shank and are looped through a drilled hole at the base of the nio. The taura tautai is secured at head of shank by lashing. A strip of cloth is lashed to the base of the shank as a hackle. Good condition. "18713.2 PRES ? N. COOK IS" is handwritten in black ink at posterior of shank.