Stone, cowrie shell, wood, sennit, bone and fiber
Early 19th century
3 1/2" x 8 3/4"
Provenance: Sheik Saud Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al - Thani, London
This octopus lure called a leho he`e is a tool of trickery. The octopus is attracted to the beautiful cowrie shell and the promise of a tasty meal but upon attack they are scooped up by Hawaiian fisherman. The lures are hung up to 100 feet and shaken up and down to entice the octopus. Not only did fishermen catch octopus for food, the practice was also a sport for the aristocracy. Rare.
Stone, cowrie shell, wood, sennit, bone and fiber
Early 19th century
3 1/2" x 8 3/4"
Provenance: Sheik Saud Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al - Thani, London
This octopus lure called a leho he`e is a tool of trickery. The octopus is attracted to the beautiful cowrie shell and the promise of a tasty meal but upon attack they are scooped up by Hawaiian fisherman. The lures are hung up to 100 feet and shaken up and down to entice the octopus. Not only did fishermen catch octopus for food, the practice was also a sport for the aristocracy. Rare.
