Matau

Matau. Fish hook. Shank for the fish hook is cut from light coloured 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. Broken at hinge. Grooves cut into the shank at thinner end for lashing. The hook’s point is of dark coloured parau cut and ground down. Two holes drilled at the base of the point through which twine is lashed through to secure the point to the base of the shank. Snood of twine runs the length of the shank and is looped through one of the drilled holes at base of the point. Secured at at base of shank by lashing. No hackle. Good condition. "PRES. 1064.2 COOK IS" written in black ink on shank.

Other Name

Fish hook (English)

Place

Manihiki/Cook Islands

Accession Number

1927.124

Accession Date

23 Jun 1927

Other Id

1064.2 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific