Description:

North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, Maui, Hana, ca. 19th century CE. A fine octopus or squid lure (known locally as a "leho he'e") comprised of a slender central wooden rod, a large cowrie snail shell opposite a porous volcanic stone, and an extremely sharp hook carved from animal bone, and all components are bound together with sennet thread. Octopus lures like this example were used by dipping the hook into shallow water and shaking it up and down. The jostling motion would entice an octopus to wrap its tentacles around the hook end, and then the fisherman would quickly pull the lure upward so as to pierce the creature's hard beak, soft body, or one of many tentacles. A fabulous and intriguing example of Hawaiian ingenuity! Size: 13.75" L x 2.8" W x 3.5" H (34.9 cm x 7.1 cm x 8.9 cm)

For a stylistically-similar example, please see The British Museum, museum number Oc1898,-.29.

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010; ex-private old family collection, Maui, Hawaii, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#179859

  • Condition: Repair to shell and stabilization to fissures, with some light adhesive residue along break lines. Chips to wooden pole and shell, with minor roughness to stone, otherwise in excellent condition. Great preservation to components. Components are old but binding is modern; components may not be original to one another.

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June 29, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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