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 - small and flat. Grooves cut into the shank at thinner end for lashing. One hole drilled at the hinge to attach fishing line and long end of the snood. The hook’s point is of amber coloured shell (possibly turtle shell) cut and ground down. Two holes drilled at the base of the point through which sennit is lashed through to secure the point to the base of the shank. Snood of plant fibre cord runs the length of the shank and is looped around the base of the point. Secured at two points (at base and head of shank) by lashing. Hackle of plant fibre lashed to the base of the shank. Good condition. "16158 ? N. COOK IS" written in black ink on side of the shank.