H68.154.17

3.13 in WIDE x 3.5 in DEEP
(7.95 cm WIDE x 8.89 cm DEEP)
Gift of Mrs. George Werkley
H68.154.17


Octopus "lure" catcher. Description: shell and(curved hook) tied with string to strong stick, facing side of egg shaped volcanic rock, used for baiting octopus. Shell is brown with light flecks and mouth like indentation next to stick. String extends out to form loop for throwing or holding in water. Cowrie Shell. History: Storage: Polynesia, Hawaii. See Arts and Crafts of Hawaii by Peter Buck, pg. 361. "Octopus lures are rare in collections." (J. Nason 9/93) "Bread loaf shape sinker on back is unique to Hawaii. Prehistorically found in Marquesas. The hook is iron." (William Davenport, 2/95) "Octopus lure for fishing, Hawaii. Lure called `leho he`e'--cowrie shell called `leho', octopus called `he`e' in Hawaiian. Stone `coffee bean' type sinker and perforated large cowrie shell tied to wooden shaft, with hand fashioned iron hook at tip, all lashed with `olona' cord. Short line of same three-ply twist at end. These are usually called `squid lures,' by local Hawaiians, a misnomer, as only octopus were caught." (Roger Rose, 4/95)

Used: fishing

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