wood, dark brown patina, pigment remains, mother-of-pearl inlay, oval in cross section, carved with stylized figure to each side, bird head and ornamental decor, indentation and drilled hole for attachment of blade, slightly dam., missing parts (lower end), metal base;
the "toki poutangata" served as symbol of chiefly authority. These rare and precious objects consisted of an ornate wooden handle and a nephrite blade. The nephrite blade was an heirloom and an object of "mana" (prestige). It was a "mauri" (life force) of the tribe which had been passed down over many generations. The "ariki" (paramount chief of the tribe) was holder of the adze. When a holder died, the handle was taken off and buried with him. When a new paramount chief was proclaimed, another handle was made and the blade was ceremoniously lashed on. Thus a new "ariki" was seen to be installed.
H: 34 cm, H: 13,4 inch
Provenance:
Old British Collection
Lit.: Mead, Sidney Moko (ed.), Te Maori, New York 1984, p. 222, ill. 141
Continent: Oceania
CITES: This object is subject to CITES. For shipment to a non-EU member state, export regulations will vary.

See description