Halibut hook
Maker: Southern Tlingit
Medium:Alder, cedar, metal, commercial cord
Geography: Wrangell, Alaska, USA
Date: late 19th-early 20th century
Dimensions:30 x 18 x 6.5 cm
Object number: 939.31.40
Credit Line: George T. Emmons Collection
Gallery Location:Daphne Cockwell Gallery dedicated to First Peoples art & culture
DescriptionThe halibut is among the largest fish caught by line and hook. The mature halibut is a
bottom feeder and swims with its broadest dimension parallel to the sea floor, and its
mouth oriented to the side. Baited with octopus, the hook floats from a sinker. The
halibut sucks in its food and when it cannot swallow the hook, the fish expels it with
force, pushing the barb through its cheek.
