Toki taraī

Toki. Hafted adze. A polished toki (adze - triangular in cross section) of toka kerekere (black basalt) lashed to a long, carved wooden haft. Base of the haft is flared and conical in shape. Top of the haft carved out to accommodate the fitting of the toki. Top heavy. 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. Carved surface decoration applied to the entirety of the long wooden haft consisting of repeated horizontal rows of triangular motifs. Lashing is natural in colour. Carved wooden haft natural brown in colour. Good condition. "12224 AITUTAKI" written in white ink at the lower end of the haft.