Matau

Matau. Fish hook. Shank 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 - small and flat. The point is made of metal and is placed in between two small pieces of wood, providing additional support for the point. The point and the wood are secured using cotton thread that is lashed around the shank. The snood consists of a two-ply cotton cord which is tied around the base of the point, running the length of the shank. The snood is further secured at the top of the shank with cotton thread lashing threaded through a hole drilled at the top of the shank. The same hole is used to also attach the fishing line. Hackle consists of strips of cotton cloth lashed to the base of the shank using cotton thread. "1255 PENRHYN IS. PRES." is written in black ink on the base end of the shank. A round light coloured sticker is stuck onto the base of the shank with "F. J. OHLSON." written across the sticker in black ink. Good condition overall.

Other Name

Fish hook (English)

Place

Tongareva (Penrhyn Atoll)/Cook Islands

Accession Number

1927.204

Accession Date

05 Oct 1927

Other Id

1255 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific