Maka feke
Department PacificAccession Date 1966Accession Number 1966.10Description Maka feke. Sinker component for an octopus lure. A maka feke usually consists of a limestone sinker, with segments of large cowrie shells wrapped around it with kafa (coconut…
Maka feke. Sinker component for an octopus lure. A maka feke usually consists of a limestone sinker, with segments of large cowrie shells wrapped around it with kafa (coconut sennit) and a long wooden rod attachment. The maka feke is designed to take the appearance of a rat, and there is a traditional Tongan tale about the Feke (Octopus) and the Kuma (Rat). This sinker is made from limestone. It is carved and polished into a bullet form. It has striations of dark caramel colour and a matte, smooth surface texture. There is a large dark discolouration at the base.