Hook Item Number: 1928.967 from the MAA: University of Cambridge
Large bent halibut hook with iron barb lashed into place on the upper arm with split spruce root. The lower tapering arm has a slightly shaped tapering end. Attached to the lower arm is a length of tightly coiled split spruce root which is joinedto a flat tapering blade of wood.; Good
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. This hook has many bite marks near the iron barb where halibut have struggled. The blade of wood could either be some sort of lure, akin to a spinner, or could be a float of some manner (G.Crowther).; Exhibited: Old anthropological displays at CUMAA, case 35, dismantled 14081986.