Pasifika fish hooks

Discover 98 fish hooks displayed in Wansolmoana, our new Pasifika Gallery at the Australian Museum.

Updated

15/02/24

These diverse fish hooks come from all over the Pacific, some dating back to the 1800s. Crafted from materials including bone, shell and wood. Fish hooks are a testament to Pasifika peoples resourcefulness, employing different techniques to catch a wide range of fish.

Fishing was a collective effort. When fishermen returned, their catches were shared, reinforcing community bonds. Carving fish hooks was part of sharing traditional skills and knowledge.

For many Pasifika peoples, fish hooks are a symbol of our strong ties to the ocean.

Pasifika fish hooks gallery

Click the image below to view full screen. You can zoom in for more detail of each fish hook by using the magnifying button on the top right hand corner. On mobile, simply use the pinch to zoom gesture with your fingers.

For more information about each fish hook;

Find the corresponding number in the image caption field of each fish hook. Please note fish hooks are grouped by Nation.

Explore Pasifika fish hooks from each Nation

Fishhook made by Ancestor, Caroline Islands (E064142)

Caroline Islands fish hooks

The Caroline Islands are an archipelago of small islands scattered across the western Pacific Ocean. Across these islands, many different forms of traditional fishing knowledge is shared.

Matau (fishhook) made by Ancestor, Cook Islands (E065077)

Cook Islands fish hooks

Learn about the traditional fishing techniques used across the Cook Islands that relied on natural materials such as fibres, wood, bones and shells for crafting hooks and nets.

Fish hook made by Ancestor, Federated States of Micronesia (E040685)

Federated States of Micronesia fish hook

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is comprised of four states, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap. Each state has its own unique traditional fishing practices.

Batinisiwa (fishhook) made by Ancestor, Fiji (E073039)

Fijian fish hooks

Traditional fishing in Fiji is practiced by both men and women who each have specific roles. As with many Pacific islands, the ocean is a life source and deeply tied to spiritual and cultural practices.

Fishhook made by Ancestor, Kiribati (E052714)

I-Kiribati fish hooks

Traditional fishing practices in Kiribati, especially on the outer islands, continue to thrive. The ocean, seen as a vital source of sustenance and a connection to culture, has profoundly influenced I-Kiribati people.

Matau (fishhook) made by Ancestor, Aotearoa (E054623)

Māori fish hooks

Fishing holds profound significance in Te Ao Māori, the Māori world, as evidenced by its creation story.

Fishhook made by Ancestor, Marshall Islands ( E072764)

Marshall Islands fish hooks

The remote Marshall Islands have fostered a variety of traditional fishing methods, involving many people (ekkonaak, alele), groups (kottoor, jabuk, ittuur), or individuals (tuwa, eojjaak, urok).

Fish hook made by Ancestor, Nauru (E016180)

Nauruan fish hook

Nauru is a coral limestone island surrounded by a coral reef and fishing is essential to daily life. Nauruans practiced the farming of ibiya (milkfish) long before European contact.

Matau (fishhook shank) made by Ancestor, Niue (E058180-006)

Niuean fish hooks

Learn how Niuean's have developed specific methods to fish in sustainable and accessible ways to maintain cultural fishing practices.

Matau (fishhook) made by Ancestor, Samoa (E059630)

Sāmoan fish hooks

Faʻasāmoa, the Sāmoan way, is central to preserving the cultural identity of fishing across the islands.

Fishhook made by Ancestor, Roviana, Solomon Islands (E073692)

Solomon Islands fish hooks

The Solomon Islands has many unique and specialised traditional fishing techniques that have been developed and refined over centuries.

Matau (fishhook) made by Ancestor, Tahiti (E065076)

Tahitian fish hooks

In Tahiti, traditional stone fishing serves as a unifying activity for entire villages and, at times, entire islands.

Matau (fishhook) made by Ancestor, Tokelau (E023502)

Tokelauan fish hooks

Tokelauans are master Tautai (fishermen). They maintain traditional fishing practices that are deeply connected to their atoll environment, lunar calendar and fish migration patterns.

Pa ‘atu (fishhook) made by Ancestor, Tonga (E065072)

Tongan fish hooks

Fishing in Tonga has been integral to the culture and livelihood of its people for centuries. Tonga's location provides abundant opportunities for fishing; and fishing methods have been passed down through generations.

Fishhook made by Ancestor, Tuvalu (E065089)

Tuvaluan fish hooks

Tuvalu consists of three reef islands and six atolls; the ocean and fishing has been the life source of the people for centuries.