Ruatangaeo. Hafted adze. A polished toki (adze - trapezoidal in cross section) of toka kerekere (black basalt) lashed to a long, carved wooden haft with a squared pedestal base. Top of the haft carved out to accommodate the fitting of the toki. Lashing of puru akari (braided coconut sennit) of a fine flat iri taki toru (3-ply braid) lashed on to the top of the haft to secure the toki, with a piece of shark skin between the lashing and the toki acting as a gasket. Finely carved surface decoration applied to the entirety of the wooden haft consisting of repeated triangular and 'K-form' motifs (signature Mangaian carving motif). Lashing is natural in colour. Carved wooden haft natural brown in colour. Good condition. "55230" written in white ink on the base of the haft.