This is a beautiful, old example of a classic Tlingit halibut hook. It is composed of two pieces of wood, carved separately and lashed together in a V-like configuration. The fisherman deploys the hook with a weight, positioning the more elaborately carved arm downward and the hook-bearing arm floating above, baited with octopus. Beautiful carving in the downward-pointing arm was considered important as it would attract and entice the halibut. This hook’s carvings depict a graceful bird head merged with a halibut design laid over the top in relief. Despite the significant age of this piece, the carefully executed features remain well-defined. Olive green cording around the bone point (replaced) provides a counterpoint to the soft earth tones of the wood. The hook bears the remains of an old label.

The Tlingit and their neighbors designed these ingenious hooks with a deep understanding of ecological sustainability. Their dimensions and shapes are capable of effectively catching only medium-sized halibut, ensuring future generations by safeguarding both young fish and large, egg-bearing females.