Story: Maramataka – the lunar calendar
According to the maramataka there were a number of nights favourable for catching eels. Some nights were good for all aspects of eeling, while others indicated specific methods, such as spearing or setting traps. This group is at Lake Forsyth (Wairewa) in the South Island, a traditional Ngāi Tahu eeling ground. The men skin and dry the eels, while the women make flax baskets to transport them.
About this item
Alexander Turnbull Library, Tourist and Publicity Department Collection
Reference: 1/2-040047; F
Photograph by K. V. Bigwood
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.