Polynesia, Society Islands, Tahiti, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. An elegant, minimalistic carved adze blade, made from a deep green stone and highly polished to have a smooth surface and matte sheen. The form is curved at an obtuse angle at its center and features two sloping, symmetrical sides on its wider end. It would have been lashed to a wooden handle with woven material, probably sennit fiber. While adzes were central to Tahitian agriculture, this item would never have been used by being pushed into the ground. Instead, it would have been an object signifying the high status of its owner/wielder. Greenstone, like other rare materials in Polynesia, was carefully hoarded for this purpose. Size: 1.65" W x 5.3" H (4.2 cm x 13.5 cm); 5.35" H (13.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Brant Mackley collection, Pennsyvania, USA, 2004

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#154534

Small chip near curve and light wear on surface commensurate with age including a few tiny scratches. Otherwise in excellent condition. Old collection label on back.