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Details
A TLINGIT WOOD HALIBUT HOOK ARM
carved of yew wood, with short base of semi-circular section expanding to a convex panel of totemic figures, including a humanoid face surmounted by a standing figure, possibly a human in a bear mask, holding a raven to its chest, perforation in the center with remnants of rope, aged brown patina
Length: 13½ in. (34.3 cm.)
carved of yew wood, with short base of semi-circular section expanding to a convex panel of totemic figures, including a humanoid face surmounted by a standing figure, possibly a human in a bear mask, holding a raven to its chest, perforation in the center with remnants of rope, aged brown patina
Length: 13½ in. (34.3 cm.)
Further details
Tlingit halibut hooks are constructed of two arms of different wood lashed together in V-shaped form. A barb is attached to the unadorned arm while the other, to which the leader is attached, is carved in considerable detail. The images on the decorated arm are said to be spirit helpers which lure the halibut to the baited hook. It is said that hooks have individual names which relate to the primary image carved on the decorated arm.
The fisher will often chant, encouraging the halibut to take the bait by reminding the fish of its hunger. The hook is lowered to the ocean floor with a stone weight. A line runs to the surface and is attached to a wooden seal gut buoy which bobs on the surface to alert the fisher to his catch.
Jay Stewart
Peter MacNair
March 1, 2002
The fisher will often chant, encouraging the halibut to take the bait by reminding the fish of its hunger. The hook is lowered to the ocean floor with a stone weight. A line runs to the surface and is attached to a wooden seal gut buoy which bobs on the surface to alert the fisher to his catch.
Jay Stewart
Peter MacNair
March 1, 2002