Tackle Box (Tuluma)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-fishing equipment

Dateearly 20th Century

Made AtTokelau, New Zealand

Used AtAmerican Samoa, United States

MediumKoa wood and plant fiber

Dimensions9 3/8 × 9 3/4 × 9 1/16 in. (23.8 × 24.8 × 23 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. Frank Stuffler

Object number79.38.1a,b

DescriptionThis fishing tackle box was made on Tokelau Island near New Zealand and was also used on Swains Island in the American Samoa region. Given the limited food resources available on islands, fishing was often one of the primary means of sustaining life. This tuluma, a vernacular term for tackle box, illustrates how objects were made with function in mind rather than ornamentation. Though some tuluma are adorned with mother of pearl inlay, it is primarily designed to be sturdy enough to be used either on land or while fishing at sea.

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