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Maka tau

human history
  • Other Name

    Throwing Stone (English)

  • Description

    Maka tau. Throwing stone. This maka tau is made from poupou ana (limestone) 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, fitting comfortably within the palm of the hand. However it has ends that are conical in form; they taper sharply to rounded points. It is off-white in colour with a brownish hue.

    Its surface is textured due to the stone being hammer-dressed into shape, and is otherwise smooth apart from some small circular cavities on its 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
    1940.193
  • Accession Date
    1940
  • Other Id

    25760.2 (ethnology)

  • Department

    Pacific

Maka tau, 1940.193, 25760.2, Cultural Permissions Apply

Images and documents

Images

  • Maka tau, 1940.193, 25760.2, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • Maka tau, 1940.193, 25760.2, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • Maka tau, 1940.193, 25760.2, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • fighting stone
  • stone

Artefact

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