Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 1991-0002-0001   CAS 1991-0002-0001; Fishing lure and hook
Category Tools & Implements
Object Name Fishing lure and hook
Culture Melanesian
Global Region Oceania
Country Santa Cruz Islands
State/Prov./Dist.
County
Other Geographic Data Island: Tikopia
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1976
Collection Name N/A
Materials Shell: pearl oyster (Pinctada sp.); Bone; Monofilament line; Nylon cordage
Description Composite fishing lure and hook comprising an elongated pearl oyster shell shaft that has been cut from a pearl oyster shell and has a squared off lower end and tapers to a point on its upper end; Shaft is characteristically thicker on its upper end; Carefully cut and highly polished bone J-shaped hook with rectangular shaft is lashed to shell shaft with monofilament line that is threaded through two holes drilled in the hook’s shaft; Bundle of numerous individual nylon threads is laid out flat on reverse face of shell shaft (with the ends of the bundle hanging down from the base) and is secured within the monofilament line that fastens the hook to the shaft; Single hole drilled through top of shell shaft provides for attaching the lure to a fishing line.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 1.6, Thickness = 3.2, Length = 9.0