Polynesian Society: Artifact 7

Fish Hooks

     The origin of the fish hook begins in the legends of the Māori people of New Zealand. Fishing was extremely important to the Māori people, because it showed their relationship with Tangaroa, god of the sea. Bone hei matau (fish hook) were carved from whale bone. Plain hei matau was used for fishing, while decorative ones were ornamental and served as necklaces and family heirlooms.
     In Hawai'i the fish hook signified strength and prosperity. The fish hook was meant to also represent the oceans wealth and beauty, seeing that resources to make it came from the ocean. Artisans used sharks and whales to make fish hooks. There were two types of hooks: simple ones made from only one kind of material such as bone or wood and composite hooks that consisted of two pieces lashed together.

Works Cited:
Information: "Meaning and History." IrishCarver. Weebly. Web. 9 Sept. 2014.
Picture: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/finance/corp_images/object/object_archive.html