Ruatangaeo. Hafted adze. A polished toki (adze - triangular 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 tapa (bark cloth) 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 grids of triangular and 'K-form' motifs (signature Mangaian carving motif). Lashing is natural in colour. Carved wooden haft brown in colour. Good condition. "12223 DEP MANGAIA" written in white ink on the side of the toki. "MANGAIA COOK IS ('Mr G Graham' struck through) DEPOSITED COl. Gudgeon" written on a sticker on the side of the toki.