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1884.11.5

Fish trap of split cane, made in the open hexagonal plaiting technique. Contains coconuts.

On display

1884.11.5

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Collection type
Object
Description
Fish trap of split cane, made in the open hexagonal plaiting technique. Contains coconuts.
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1886
Date collected
?Prior to 1886
Acquisition information
Donated: 1884
Materials and processes
Material Cane Plant, Material Coconut Plant, Process Plaited, Process Basketry
Dimensions
Length x Width: max 210 x 270 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1884.11.5 Other numbers: 141
Research and responses

Indian Antiquary, Feb. 1895, 'Catalogue of Nicobarese objects', p. 109 '94 (m) Kenhon (with float Paha) Fish trap made of split cane or of the bark of a tree called Afu (?Maranta dichotoma). The mouth is first made, then the top, sides and bottom in succession. For bait, unripe cocoanut fruit is smeared on the inner side of the lip, and the trap, weighed with stones, is placed on the foreshore. The float, at high water, indicates the position of the trap, and enables the owner to lift it suddenly before the fish, which may be inside can escape. For this purpose, an fid the water be sufficiently calm, he remains above in his canoe watching, in order that, before all the bait has been consumed, he may lift the trap out of the water at a time when there will be the best possible catch. Custom permits of the use of this trap during the rainy season only, and exclusively at certain villages in and near Nancowry Harbour.' [AP Leverhulme project on founding collection 1995-1998]

Associated publications
More Than Human: Making with the Living World., Editor: Justin McGurik; Additional author: Tim Marlow; Additional author: Daisy Hildyard; Additional author: Anna Tsing; Additional author: James Peplow Powell; Additional author: Andrés Jaque; Additional author: Jia Yi Gu; Additional author: Michelle Westerlaken; Additional author: Anthony Dunne; Additional author: Fiona Raby; Additional author: Tim Ingold; The Netherlands, 2025
Illustrated in colour on page 106 of 'More Than Human: Making in the Living World. The edited volume published in conjunction with the exhibition of the same name held at the design Museum between 11th July - 5th August 2025.

Search terms: Basketry, Fishing, Trap, Fishing Accessory

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