Inaki (fish trap)

This is an inaki or fishtrap that is conical in shape and of open construction. It has a flat bottom and a narrow opening at the top, rather like a modern crayfish pot. It is probably made from aka niu, the long thin roots of the coconut tree. Two wooden strips in the form of a cross strengthen the base of the trap and there is a flexible panel on the side which can be opened to remove captured fish. The ends of a strong loop of fau rope are attached on either side to a strong ring of aka niu tied around the top of the trap. Small fish were tied inside inaki, to serve as bait for sea eels and other larger fish.