Matau. Fish hook. Shank for the matau is cut from yellow 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 to achieve desired colour and size. Grooves are cut into the shank at the thinner end for lashing to grip. One hole is drilled at the hinge to attach the taura tatai (fishing line) and the long end of the snood. The hook’s nio (point) is of dark coloured parau that is ground down. Broken at tip. Two holes are drilled at the base of the nio, through which twine is lashed through to secure the nio to the base of the shank. The snood consists of twine cord that runs the length of the shank, and is looped around the base of the nio. The hackle is made of horse hair that is lashed to the base of the shank. Good condition. "1064.1 COOK IS." is handwritten in black ink on shank.