Matau. Fish hook. Shank for the fish hook is cut from light coloured 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. One hole drilled at the hinge to attach fishing line and long end of the snood. The hook’s point is of dark coloured parau cut and ground down. Three holes drilled at the base of the point, two holes through which twine is lashed through to secure the point to the base of the shank. Snood of twine cord runs the length of the shank and is looped through third drilled hole at base of the point. Secured at two points (at base and head of shank) by lashing. No hackle. Good condition. "28052 ? N. COOKS" written in black ink on reverse side of the shank.