Toki, Karā, Basalt adze; Unknown Kaimahi toki (Adze maker); Unknown; RI.W2004.27...
Toki, Karā, Basalt adze
About this object
A brown finished karā toki (basalt adze). It is hammer-dressed and ground with an offset butt. Characterised by stone tool specialist, the late Russell Beck, as being similar to the Cook Islands Type 3A. The probable source of stone for this toki is believed to be from the Cook Islands.
This is one of over 350 toki (Māori adzes) in our collection. They range in size, stone type and source; covering all stages of manufacture from rough pre forms to ground, finished tools. Toki were bound to a kakau roa (wooden handle) and used for woodworking such as waka building, tree felling, hollowing out items, and squaring off planks. Whao (chisels) were used for finer work. These two links share more background and show how toki were made.
'A new edge to the environment', Te Papa, 2006
'Te Ara, Kōhatu, Māori use of stone, Making an adze'
Unknown Kaimahi toki (Adze maker)
Maker RoleKaimahi toki (Adze maker)
Date MadeUnknown
Place MadeOceania, South Pacific, Cook Islands
Place NotesStone tool specialist, the late Russell Beck, believes the probable source of the stone for this toki was the Cook Islands, with manufacture likely taking place there also.
Medium and Materialsinorganic, stone, karā, basalt
Inscription and MarksThe accession number 'w 2721' is marked using B72 and white ink.
Measurements
l 145 mm x w 67 mm x d 33 mm
450 g
The information in this record is based on the assessment of stone tool specialist, the late Russell Beck. Between October and December of 2012 Russell conducted a thorough assessment of the 520 stone and pounamu items in Te Hikoi’s Taoka/Taonga Māori collection and produced a detailed report for each. The report for this toki was used to inform the stone type and probable source, the Duff type, condition, method and stage of manufacture stated in this record.
Object Type Object numberRI.W2004.2721
Rights
Attribution - Non-commercial (cc)
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