Toki (Adze); Unknown; Oceania, New Zealand, South Island, Southland; RI.MA56
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.
Unknown
Place MadeOceania, New Zealand, South Island, Southland
Place NotesRussel Beck believed the argillite possibly came from the 'Green Hills' area in Southland.
Subject and Association Keywords Medium and Materialsinorganic, stone, argillite
Measurements
h 55 mm x w 102 mm x d 420 mm
RI.MA56
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