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Maka tau

human history
  • Other Name

    Throwing Stone (English)

  • Description

    Maka tau. Throwing stone. This medium-sized 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 meters. This maka tau is ovoid or egg-shaped and fits comfortably within the palm of the hand.

    It is dark grey, almost black in colour with a smooth surface that is slightly textured from the process of being hammer-dressed or beaten into a uniform shape. This is further evidenced by some small white markings or abrasions on the exterior. The maka tau was often used as a defending weapon in combat and if thrown correctly, could do real damage and even cause death.

  • Place
    Niue
  • Accession Number
    1931.218
  • Accession Date
    1931
  • Other Id

    16300.6 (ethnology)

  • Department

    Pacific

Maka tau, 1931.218, 16300.6, Photographed by Richard Ng,… … Read more

Images and documents

Images

  • Maka tau, 1931.218, 16300.6, Photographed by Richard Ng, digital, 08 Jan 2019, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • Maka tau, 1931.218, 16300.6, Photographed by Richard Ng, digital, 08 Jan 2019, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • Maka tau, 1931.218, 16300.6, Photographed by Richard Ng, digital, 08 Jan 2019, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • Maka tau, 1931.218, 16300.6, Photographed by Richard Ng, digital, 08 Jan 2019, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • stone

Artefact

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