Inaki (fish trap)

This inaki (fish trap) is in the form of an elongated round-sectioned basket, tapering towards one end. A relatively long funnel leads in from the wider end. At the narrow end, a separate small square lid is attached by cane and can be opened to remove the fish. The loop on one side is for attaching a suspension rope, but no rope is now present.

Usage
The trap is lightweight and easy to handle. Fisherman would tie small fish inside to serve as bait for sea eels and other larger fish. The trap would be set and checked at regular intervals.

The New Zealand International Exhibition of Arts and Industries

This item is one of many displayed at an international exhibition held in Christchurch in the summer of 1906-1907. Among the Pacific Island participants were groups of people from the Cook Islands, Niue, and Fiji. They gave cultural performances and brought artefacts for exhibition and sale. At the exhibition's conclusion a number of items were acquired by Augustus Hamilton, Director of the Dominion Museum (Te Papa's predecessor).