To'i.

human history

To'i. Large hafted adze. Dark basalt ofa'i (stone) is worked and polished into an Fao'a (adze), triangular in section. The Fao'a has flaked sides with a large bevel and cutting edge. Its blade is flat and smooth. The Fao'a is lashed securely to the carved 'Ā'au (wooden haft) with braided nape (coconut sennit). A small flat piece of plant fibre is wedged in between the Fao'a and the nape for extra grip. The 'Ā'au (wooden haft) has a pronounced triangular heel and a long cylindrical to'o (shaft). A hole is drilled through the butt for suspension. The 'Ā'au and nape lashing components are brown in colour, and the Fao'a is dark in colour.

Accession number: 1950.128 Last Update: 18 Jun 2018
Other Name

Hafted adze (English)

Accession Number

1950.128

Accession Date

04 Jul 1950

Other Id

31606 (ethnology)

376 (Oldman Collection)

Department

Pacific

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14 Images
adze, 1950.128, 31606, 376, Photographed by Andrew Hales, digital, 09 Jan 2018, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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