Description:

North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, Pre to Post Contact era, ca. 16th to 19th century CE. A hand carved stone "coffee bean" shaped sinker for an octopus or squid lure known locally as a leho he'e. The fine stone presents a domed form with a flat, ovoid base and a vertical indentation down the center of its back formed from being tied to the rest of the lure. The lure would be comprised of a large cowrie snail shell bound with twisted sennet thread to the sinker on one end, and a crescent-shaped hook fashioned from wood or bone on the opposite end. Octopus lures were used by dipping the hook into shallow water and shaking it up and down in a rhythmic motion to entice an octopus to wrap its tentacles around the hook end. The fisherman would then rapidly pull the lure upward to pierce the creature's hard beak, soft body, or one of its many tentacles. Size: 4.25" L x 3" W x 1.75" H (10.8 cm x 7.6 cm x 4.4 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010

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#173823

  • Condition: Old chips and abrasions commensurate with age and use, otherwise intact. Light mineral deposits in recessed areas. Old inventory number on surface.

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August 18, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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