Toki (Adze); Unknown; Oceania, New Zealand, South Island, Southland; RI. MA 56

From

Te Hikoi Museum

Name/Title

Toki (Adze)

About this object

This is a very fine example of a hammer-dressed argillite stone adze. It has a hollow ground bevel and two horns on the poll. Toki were made in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the job at hand, and bound to a wooden shaft (a poutangata). An adze of this size and quality would have required a significant investment of time and a high level of craftsmanship.

Toki Poutangata of high quality were used on ceremonial occasions such as the felling of a great tree for a significant waka.

Date Made

Unknown

Place Made

Oceania, New Zealand, South Island, Southland

Place Notes

Russel Beck believed the argillite possibly came from the 'Green Hills' area in Southland.

Subject and Association Keywords

Māori

Medium and Materials

inorganic, stone, argillite

Measurements

h 55 mm x w 102 mm x d 420 mm

Object Type

adze

Object number

RI. MA 56

Copyright Licence  

All rights reserved

This object is from
Te Hikoi Museum   Te Hikoi Museum
Tags
Māori

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