Matau (Fish hook)

Matau. Fish hook. Shank for the matau is cut from light coloured parau (pearl shell) in a long narrow strip so as to include a part of the hinge (to form the thicker proximal end) as well as the area towards the lip of the shell (at thinner end). Sides of the parau shank have been ground down smooth and polished to achieve desired colour and size. Grooves cut into the shank at thinner end for lashing to grip. The nio (hook point) is of carved and ground down dark coloured parau. Two holes are drilled at the base of the point through which twine is lashed through to secure the nio to the base of the shank. Snood of twine runs the length of the shank and is looped through one of the drilled holes at base of the point. Secured at at base of shank by lashing. No hackle.