Tairua Pearl Shell Lure

Description

Fishing lure made from tropical black-lipped pearl shell ([Pinctada margaritifera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinctada_margaritifera)). It was found in 1964 during an archaeological excavation at Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula. The lure is highly significant because it was made in East Polynesia (in the early-mid1300s) and brought here, on a waka, with the Polynesian settlers of Aotearoa. Identifier: **AU1785** [Source record](http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/collections-research/collections/record/am_humanhistory-object-592550?k=AU1785&ordinal=0) on Auckland Museum website. #AMCollection