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. Methods such as Uloa, Tohofua, No’o’anga, Ama-velo and Ama-ta, Fokotu’u, Talaki and Fakamamio, and the methods of handline fishing known as ‘Alo ‘Atu, Taupoa and Finaki.

Traditional Tongan fishing practices are governed by ‘tapu’ or cultural taboos and customary regulations. These rules help protect fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices. Traditional fishing in Tonga represents a sustainable and harmonious relationship between the people and the rich marine resources of the island nation.

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