From:Mokau Museum
Name/TitleMāhē/Sinker, Stone
About this objectOval shaped sinker kōhatu, has indents from muka/flax.
Fishing played an important role for sustainability, this is reflected by the numerous fish hooks of bone and shell found in some archaeological sites. Stone trolling lures (also called minnow lures), with bone or shell points attached, were used to catch fish such as kahawai and barracouta. They were commonly made from argillite, schist or greywacke, but also from other materials, including limestone and serpentine. Stone sinkers were made by forming a shallow groove around a pebble or cobble and winding a line around it. Large stones were occasionally used as anchors, and pumice as floats for fishing nets.
Object TypeFishing Equipment
Object numberRA2019.224
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