Maori Fish Hook, New Zealand
matau
Wood, bone, flax
height 7 1/2in (19cm)
Provenance:
Private Collection, New York
According to Te Papa Tongarewa (web: December 26, 2012) "The ancestors of Maori would have arrived at these shores steeped in rich fishing traditions and practice, and would have adapted this fishing culture to local conditions, species, and materials.
Matau (fish hooks) made by Maori are simple, ingenious, and beautifully constructed. The huge variety of hooks represent the many kinds of fish caught here as well as the many techniques used...
...Large wooden fish hooks for bigger prey such as hapuku (groper) are made from strong wood such as tauhinu tree roots, which was further hardened by fire."
