Fri. Oct 6th, 2023

Fishing box, Tuvalu

This is a fishing box, or tuluma, made in Tuvalu. It measures 15 cm x 15 cm x 21 cm. It was purchased in the 1980s.

The tuluma has a tight-fitting lid, secured to the main box with a plaited coconut fibre cord so it doesn’t float away if it accidentally falls overboard.

This is a fishing box or tuluma from Tuvalu.
A fishing box or tuluma from Tuvalu

Tuluma are also traditionally made by fishermen in other parts of Polynesia. The boxes can vary in shape and size, depending on the purpose for which they are designed. One of this size, for example, would be adequate for a single fisherman in a canoe to carry some tackle and spare hooks.

Fishing on the Funafuti lagoon
Fishing on the Funafuti lagoon

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This website predominantly features the work of Lindsey Arkley.