Fishing floats (balls and floating-beacons) allowed to keep the fishing gear in the desired position and to signal the nets, as these were generally numbered.

They had different dimensions and morphologies, and were made with different materials, namely glass, aluminium, polystyrene or plastic.

The balls used in the fishing of fine-fish were made of glass and lined with net.

The Collections of the Madeira Ethnographic Museum

Productive Activities: Fishing

Credits: Madeira Ethnographic Museum