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Artisanal fishhook

Colour photo of bait made in artisanal fashion using a bone to hold the hook in place. The leather strip is tied to the end of the hook. The fishhook is set against a backdrop of fir branches.

Photo collection of the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw, Funds Serge Jauvin
Opitciwan, 1981-1982

This traditional method of making a fishhook is still used today by many Indigenous peoples.

The fabrication of an artisanal fishhook consists of inserting a hook into a piece of bone. The hook is held in place with string and strips of moose leather. Excellent for catching big fish such as pike, sturgeon and walleye.