Fish Hook

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-fishing equipment

Date19th Century

Made AtHawaii, United States

MediumBone

Dimensions2 3/8 × 1 3/8 × 1/4 in. (6 × 3.5 × 0.6 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Carolyn Blackburn

Object number2014.24.1

DescriptionHawaii is agreed to be one of the most rich ocean environments within Polynesia. As a result, many types of hook designs have been developed over time. Each hook is designed to efficiently catch a specific species. In the case of one piece barbed hooks such as makau, the barbed point has been crafted to completely pierce the lip or throat of a fish and prevent it from getting away. The fact that this hook was made from human bone is significant. Hook makers would use human bone in order to imbue the hook with the mana, or the life-force of an elite member of society, a notable warrior or a very successful fisherman. A hook with such a mana would make the hook and the fisherman who used it more productive; however hooks imbued with mana could potentially be dangerous and as such had to be handled and used in compliance with a defined set of rules.

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