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Ethnology of Tokelau Islands

Fish Traps

Fish Traps

Fishing traps are not in common use in Tokelau. None were seen at Atafu, and only a few of one type at Fakaofu and Nukunono. This type (pl. 1, A) is made of twigs bent in an inverted U and lashed to a flooring of twigs laid lengthwise over three stout cross-pieces. The bent twigs form a hood over each end of the trap projecting from the entrance. Each end wall is made of vertical twigs held rigid by four cross-pieces. A circular opening is left in the middle of each end. A conical passageway of pointed sticks with the broad end at the opening projects into the trap. The pointed ends of the sticks prevent the fish from leaving the trap.

A circular fish trap with an entrance in the top was used in the past. It was made of stems of a vine and is identical with the Samoan trap illustrated by Hiroa (28, pl. XLII, C).