Come discover 98 fish hooks displayed in Wansolmoana, Our new Pasifika Gallery at the Australian Museum. These diverse fish hook come form all over the Pacific, some dating back to the 1800s. These fish hooks were crafted from materials including bones, shells and woods. Fish hooks are a testament to Pasifika peoples resourcefulness, employing different techniques to catch a wide range of fish.

The collection features fish hooks from nations including Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati, Tokelau, The cook islands and many more. These objects highlights the diversity of fishing traditions that have sustained Pacific communities for generations. Each hook tells a story of innovation, survival and culture identity demonstrating how communities adapted their fishing practices to local waters and species.

More than simple tools, fish hooks symbolise the strong relationships between the Pasifika peoples and the ocean. Fishing was often a community activity that shared catches among the families and villages, strengthening cultural connections and social bonds.

The Pasifika Fish Hooks Gallery is a unique opportunity to explore the craftsmanship, resilience and living traditions of the Pacific. It stands as a powerful reminder that the ocean continues to unite and inspire Pasifika communities across generations.

For more information about the Pasifika fish Hook Gallery visit: https://australian.museum/learn/cultures/pasifika-collections/fish-hooks/ .