Ruatangaeo

human history

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 adze, with a piece of shark skin between the lashing and the adze, 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 stained dark brown in colour.

Accession number: 1950.113 Last Update: 20 Sept 2018
Other Name

Adze, Hafted (English)

Associated Place

Mangaia/Cook Islands

Accession Number

1950.113

Accession Date

08 Jun 1950

Other Id

31970.3 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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Ruatangaeo, 1950.113, 31970.3, Photographed by Andrew Hales, digital, 10 Oct 2016, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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