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Matau (fish hook)

Object | Part of Taonga Māori collection

item details

NameMatau (fish hook)
ProductionUnknown; craftsman; 1500-1850; North Island
Classificationfishhooks
Materialsbone, cord
Techniquescarving, grinding, drilling
DimensionsOverall: 80mm (height), 53mm (length), 12mm (depth), 23.7g (weight)
Registration NumberME002237
Credit lineSir Walter Buller Collection. Gift of W. Leo Buller, 1911

Overview

An elaborately carved one-piece non-barbed bait hook made from whale bone. This fishing hook has been enhanced with carved manaia faces at the apex of the shank, and also at the bait-knob. The upper manaia has perforated eyes and mouth, while the lower manaia has countersunk eyes and a perforated mouth through which has been attached a muka cord used to tie the bait to the hook.

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