West Polynesia, Tonga Island, Lapita Culture, ca. 1600 to 500 BCE. A fine atone adze, skillfully hand-sculpted with smooth surfaces boasting shades of mottled charcoal and ash gray with burnt sienna and cream-colored inclusions. The ancient implement displays a quadrangular form with a wide, flat butt and smooth body that tapers to a slender, curved blade. Stone adzes, like this example, were not only used as tools and perhaps ceremonial objects, but also were an important status good to the early Polynesian people and were often specifically made for high-ranking members of society, serving as symbols of their power and prestige. As such, adzes were frequently gifted to chiefs of different tribes and preserved over generations. Size: 5.6" L x 2.6" W (14.2 cm x 6.6 cm)

The Lapita peoples originated in Taiwan and other regions of East Asia. As seafaring explorers and colonists, they settled on the Bismarck Archipelago (northeast of New Guinea) by 2000 BCE, and by 1600 BCE they also ventured to the Solomon Islands, reaching Fiji, Tonga, and other parts of western Polynesia by 1000 BCE. By 500 BCE they migrated to Micronesia.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection, ex Mauna Kea Gallery, Hawaii

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#160897

Repaired from 2 pieces with break lines visible. Areas of loss to butt. Some chipping to cutting edge and peripheries. A few minor nicks in areas. Otherwise, excellent with smooth surfaces. Collection label on 1 side.