Description:

North Pacific, Hawaii, Maui, Lahaina region, Pre-Contact Period, ca. 16th to 18th century CE. A rare fishing hook known as "aku lure" (pa hi aku) made from bone (pig, or dog) and shell, the bone barb lashed to the shell panel with a coconut fiber twine, the end pierced for securing to a line. The shimmering nacre from the shell mimicked fish scales attracting bonito fish. During the winter tuna (known as bonito, aku, and kawa kawa) were in season and these fish were usually caught by towing the hook on a line behind the boat. These shell and bone hooks are very rare and this example is in great condition. Size: 2.5" L x 1" W (6.4 cm x 2.5 cm); 2.2" H (5.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010

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#179928

  • Condition: Chips and abrasions to the shell, bone is intact. Light calcification and deposits on shell.

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July 7, 2023 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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