Maka tau. Throwing stone. This large maka tau is made from maka uli (black stone or basalt) and would have been used in war as a throwing weapon. When used during combat, it would be thrown at the enemy from as far away a distance as four metres. This maka tau is unique in shape and unlike the other round maka tau in the collection. It looks to have been made from the fragment of a toki (adze) and is roughly shaped like a triangular prism. Its edges have been rounded and of its two triangular faces, one is smooth and straight whilst the other is uneven and slanting. The maka tau is extremely smooth-surfaced and polished with a high degree of shine. It is black in colour and glossy. Although it has some uneven or rough sections where the stone has been chipped or split, these have also been rubbed smooth. The maka tau was often used as a defending weapon in combat and if thrown correctly, could do real damage and even cause death.