Matau. Fish hook. Shank and lashing components of a matau. This type of matau is known as matau nui no te po (used for night time fishing). The shank is carved from a single piece of rakau (wood). There is kiriau (hibiscus fibres) lashing around both ends of the shank. The lashing at the top of the shank is finished with a two-ply portion of taura tautai (fishing line) cord, woven from strips of kiriau and completed with a knot. Cracks visible across the matau. "RAROTONGA 8341" is handwritten in black ink on the shank. Good condition overall.