Fishhook

18137F

From: New Zealand

Curatorial Section: Oceanian

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Native Name Pā Kahawai
Object Number 18137F
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Maori
Provenience New Zealand
Period Te Huringa I Period
Date Made 1800 - 1900 CE
Section Oceanian
Materials Abalone | Metal | New Zealand Flax
Description

A composite pā kahawai (trolling lure) with pāua (abalone) on the inner surface of the iron shank. There is a muka (plant fiber) cord attached at one end. Dark feathers are attached near the hook.

Line fishing was a regular method of catching fish. The pāua of the pā kahawai would be polished until it shone to attract the attention of fish. Fishhooks were primarily made of wood, bone, stone, and shell until European contact, when the use of iron was introduced.

Length 9.5 cm
Credit Line Gift of William Pepper, 1891

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