An ovoid stone attached by a braided fiber cord. The cord attached to this stone has a knot that could be a knot for a float, and therefore a fishing element. This stone, a probable fishing weight, is also of the same shape as the sling stones the Polynesians call 'Alà. It is annotated with two old inventory numbers A.367 and a label 367. The precise origin of this object is difficult to determine, as its history has not been preserved or it cannot be linked to these precious inventory numbers. However, the fine braiding of the cord at the float's knot gives us a clue, as it is comparable to the braiding of certain Tongan fishing artifacts such as those collected early on during Captain Cook's three voyages to the Pacific. Polynesia Stone and braided fiber cord, old inventory number written in red ink A.367 and a label written in pen 367, old patina. L.: 5.5 cm (for the stone) See: p. 234 fig. 498 and 499 in Artificial Curiosities An Exposition of Native Manufactures Collected on the Three Pacific Voyages of Captain James Cook, R. N., Adrienne l. Kaeppler, Ed. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Press, Hawai 1978 Provenance : Jean Roudillon Collection