Matau. Fish hook. The 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). The sides of the parau shank have been ground down smooth to achieve desired colour and size. A small piece of rakau (wood) is placed in-between the shank and the nio (hook), with grooves cut into the shank at the thinner end for lashing to the grip. One hole is drilled at the hinge to attach the taura tautai (fishing line) and the long end of the snood. The hook’s nio is carved from dark coloured parau that is cut and ground down. 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. Snood of consisting of twine cord, in a iri (braid) taki rua (two-ply) that runs the length of the shank and is looped around the base of the nio. Good condition. "COOK IS. pres. 1064.3" is handwritten in black ink on the shank. "MANIHIKI" is handwritten in light pencil in the same location.