Featured fishhooks from the Archaeology Collections that are on permanent display in Pacific Hall.

* Please note that these images are for personal use only and are not to be used for commercial purposes.

Bone fishhook, Wai‘ahukini Rockshelter

(H8-E5-20; HAS# 50-Ha-B21-006-01196)

This fishhook was excavated from unit E5 at Wai‘ahukini Rockshelter. It was recorded at a depth of 8 inches below the surface. Based on its stratigraphic location, it dates to the 18th to 19th century.

 

Unfinished bone fishhook, Pu‘u Ali‘i (South Point Dune Site)

(H1-E14-3; HAS# 50-Ha-B20-001-00473)

This unfinished bone fishhook was recovered from unit E14 at Pu‘u Ali‘i on November 21, 1954. Its stratigraphic location 3 inches above the dense cultural layer indicates that it was recently made, possibly during the 18th to 19th century.

 

Pearlshell fishhook, Pu‘u Ali‘i (South Point Dune Site)

(H1-L14-22; HAS# 50-Ha-B20-001-01885)

This pearlshell fishhook was recovered from unit L14 at Pu‘u Ali‘i at a depth of 7.5 inches below the dense cultural layer. A higher number of pearlshell fishhooks like this one were uncovered in the lower layers, whereas the upper, more recent layers are dominated by fishhooks made out of bone.

 

Bone fishhook, Pu‘u Ali‘i (South Point Dune Site)

(H1-O11-3; HAS# 50-Ha-B20-001-02051)

This barbed fishhook was excavated on August 23, 1955 from excavation unit O13 at Pu‘u Ali‘i. The barbed point is typical of later styles of fishhooks in Hawai‘i.

 

Bored fishhook blank, Wai‘ahukini Rockshelter

(H8-H8-52; HAS# 50-Ha-B21-006-11554)

This unfinished fishhook shows the early stages of manufacture. Ancient Hawaiian fishhook makers would start with a rectangular cut piece of bone, then they would use a pump drill to drill holes in it before filing down the hook into the preferred shape. This bored (drilled) blank was broken into two pieces - it has been glued back together. It was recovered from a depth of 10-14 inches, indicating that it dates to around AD 1700.

 

Bone point from a 2-piece fishhook, Wai‘ahukini Rockshelter

(H8-E11-18; HAS# 50-Ha-B21-006-02326)

This bone point is from a 2-piece fishhook, which is a typical late style of fishhook in Hawai‘i. This type of fishhook actually had three parts; a point, a shank, and a toggle, or small brace placed at the base of the point and shank before they were lashed together. Thispoint was recovered from unit E11 at a depth of 6 inches below the surface. This fishhook was excavated on August 16, 1954.

 

Two-piece bone fishhook, Pu‘u Ali‘i (South Point Dune Site)

(H1-D6-19a/H1-D7-130; HAS# 50-Ha-B20-001-00148; HAS# 50-Ha-B20-001-00179)

This two-piece fishhook is made from carved bone and a modified dog rib. Two-piece hooks like this one are unique to the Hawaiian Islands. This one was excavated from two adjacent excavation units (D6 and D7) on September 29. 1953, and new cordage was added before it was placed on exhibit.

 

Pearlshell fishhook, Wai‘ahukini Rockshelter

(H8-H8-24; HAS# 50-Ha-B21-006-01327)

This pearlshell fishhook was excavated from unit H8 on July 1, 1958 and was recorded at a depth of 18 inches below the surface. Based on its stratigraphic location, it dates to around AD 1600.

 

This website was made possible by the generous support of: