Hook Item Number: Z 34969 from the MAA: University of Cambridge
Description
Halibut hook made from knotted bent hemlock with bone point lashed onto the upper arm with bark, and the lower tapering arm lashed with very fine root. A length of nettle fibre is stretched across the arms and there are vestiges of a sinew leader.; Good
Context
The very finely lashed tip of the lower arm of this hook could be a regional style, suggesting the hook is Nuu-Chah-Nulth in origin, similar to 1949.198 B and Z 34973 (G.Crowther). The original European tribal names and, where possible, current tribal names have both been given in separate GLT fields.; Bent hooks were shaped by steaming, and amongst the Kwakiutl a mould was used to wrap the steamed wood around. The hook would be set with a piece of bait, possibly some octopus. The hook was then attached to a weighted line by a leader, often made from nettle fibre, the upper arm of the hook was that with the barb. The larger hooks were used for halibut fishing, and the smaller ones were secured in a series to a line for catching ling- cod, and sculpin.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
What
- Name
- Hook
- Identification Number
- Z 34969
- Type of Item
- hook
- Material
- wood and hemlock wood ?
Who
- Culture
- Makah ? or Nuu-chah-nulth ?
Where
- Holding Institution
- MAA: University of Cambridge
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
Other
- Keyword
- Fishing; Tools