How to Make a Maori Hook
- 1
Treated cow boneHemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Choose your piece of cow bone. Buy a bone in the dog-toy section of a pet store; select one that is not smoked or flavored. Bones from butchers or supermarkets are often greasy or discolored. If using a raw bone, remove all traces of fat and marrow and boil the bone for several hours. Leave the bone to dry in the sun for several days; otherwise traces of grease may discolor the bone. - 2). Sketch the design for your fish hook on paper, then trace it onto the bone. Refer to traditional Maori designs as a guide. Avoid delicate and overly thin pieces in your design, as these may cause the bone to break or split. Remember to leave a knob of bone at the top to tie the cord around.
- 3). Cut away extra bone, using the hacksaw, to the approximate the outline of your design. Avoid trying to make precise or detailed cuts at this point.
- 4). Carve the details of the hook using your design as a guide. Work slowly with the knife, making small, short cuts rather than taking off big pieces. An alternative method is to use a jeweler's saw to shape the bone. Check your proportions often to make sure that your thickness and bevel are consistent.
- 5). Lightly sand the surface of the bone, first with the medium-grit and then with the fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth, shiny surface.
- 6). Loop the cord around the knob and tie a secure knot; then knot the ends into a necklace.
