Sāmoan fish hooks

Faʻasāmoa, the Sāmoan way, is central to preserving the cultural identity of fishing across the islands. Traditionally, village fonos decided on community fishing based on the season, with the tautai, or master fisherman, holding authority above other matai (chiefs) in fishing matters.

Proficiency in fishing was highly esteemed, enhancing a family or village's status. While some modern tools are used, older techniques like fish traps, gleaning, palm frond nets and slingshot fish spears continue to be taught.

See fish hooks from Sāmoa in the collection below. Click on each image to view full screen and use the zoom functionality for more detail of each fish hook.