Matau. Fish hook. Shank for the fish hook 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 and polished to achieve desired colour and size. Grooves cut into the shank at thinner end for lashing to grip. One hole is drilled at the hinge to attach twine taura tautai (fishing line) and long end of the twine snood. The nio (hook point) is of dark parau and ground down. Three holes are drilled on the side of the nio through which twine is lashed through to secure the nio to the base of the shank. There is a portion of yellow coloured twine lashing the nio to the shank though one of the holes. The snood of twine runs the length of the shank and is looped through the third hole drilled at the base of the nio. The snood is secured at two points (at base and head of shank) by lashing. Hackle of cotton twine is lashed to outward-facing side of the shank. Twine used for lashing, and the snood is natural in colour. Good condition overall. "18713.3 PRES ? N. COOKS" is handwritten in black ink on the shank. "Dr H. Northcroft." is handwritten in black ink on a label adhered to the side of the shank.