Hawaiian Fish Hook Jewelry History

Known as Makau in Hawaiian, the fish hook is now a piece of jewelry worn for both decorative and traditional purposes throughout the world. But they were once used to carry out the basic functions of everyday survival. Fish hooks have an intricate history concerning their significance, variety and geography.

Significance

The Hawaiian fish hook was made to signify strength and prosperity. It was also used as a traditional tool in hunting and gathering food in the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiians view the sea as a place of beauty and supply, and the fish hook, which is made from materials found in the sea, is meant to emulate these beliefs of self-sufficiency and aesthetic wealth.

History

The tradition of the fish hook began in ancient Polynesia and was crafted by the Maori tribes of New Zealand. Relying on natural resources in a land without technology or means of long-distance travel, the hook was made from whale bones, sometimes human bones, shells from the sacred ocean, pearl or wood. The hook's intention of use determined what it was made out of, which led to the creation of many different styles for fishing or catching specific kinds of fish.

Fishermen had to be well-rounded in order to meet their needs. Therefore, they were also skilled craftsmen and most likely made the fish hooks themselves.

Legend

There are many myths and legends surrounding the Hawaiian fish hook. One comes from the belief of ancient carvers who supposedly used the bones of the best fishermen to ensure success with their hook.

Hawaiians believed that fishhooks made from human bone without hair on their bodies were "more attractive to fish than hooks from normal bones, such as from whale bone or cow bone," according to Hawaiian Jewelry and Gift.

Function

Fish hooks were used by island men and women to catch and gut fish, as well as catching and preparing other types of food. The main function for fish hooks today is to wish someone a prosperous future or good health. They are also used, of course, simply for decoration.

Geography

Hawaiian fish hooks originated in the Polynesian islands and New Zealand and can now be found in either of these places, as well as the majority of Hawaiian Islands. Artisans used sea animals from these oceans, such as sharks and whales, to make the fish hooks.

Types of Fish Hooks

There are two kinds of fish hooks: simple and composite. Simple hooks are fashioned from only one kind of material like bone or wood, but composite hooks are two pieces clamped together. Today many Hawaiian hooks are composites, made from resin, bone or wood.

Craftsmanship

The fish hook is made with a point, which may be straight or curved depending on design. The point may include a barb which is meant to keep fish from slipping off the hook when caught. All hooks are made with a shank and a point, and are tied and fastened with a strong, thin rope material. They are still hand carved today.

References

• General Info
• History

Resources

• Bone Carving Demonstration