Fish hook (English)

Matau. Fish hook. Shank for the fish hook is cut from 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. Grooves cut into the shank at thinner end for lashing.

8596 (ethnology)

Pacific