Te matau. Wooden fish hook. This large fish hook is made from a single piece of te ngea (ironwood). It has been carved from a branch that has a naturally curved form, making it appropriate for use as a fish hook. This type of matau was used for deep sea fishing; for catching sharks and other big fish, and is rarely seen now. It could also be used for trolling during the daytime. The top of the matau has been bound with a thick two-ply te kora (cordage of coconut fibre), which also acts as a lashing/looping mechanism to fasten a second te kora to the hook, made from three thick two-ply strands rolled together. This three-ply cord is looped. The wood is dark brown in colour, smooth-surfaced but speckled and features a black mark which looks to have been burned onto the surface of the wood.