330 - Lūheʻe (Octopus Lure), by Maunalani Design Group

Complete lūheʻe (octopus lure) used for nearshore and reef flat fishing, constructed of native hardwood, bone, leho (cowrie) shell, pōhaku (basalt rock), natural cord, and lāʻī (tī leaves).

These lures were used to entice heʻe (octopus) out of their burrows into open water by utilizing leho shell as bait. Octopus will attempt to grab onto the shell to get at the snail inside, but when the lawaiʻa (fisher) feels the octopus’ weight while holding onto the handline, the lure and octopus are pulled up, and the octopus is caught. These lures are still used by some lawaiʻa today and were treasured by lawaiʻa in the past.

About the Artist:
Keith Maile, of Maunalani Design Group, uses a variety of media in his working, including bone, shell, wood, stone, and native fibers, along with other natural materials.