condensed discuss document expanded export feedback print share remove reset document_white enquire_white export_white report_white
discuss document export feedback print share gallery-landscape xml

Maka tau

human history
  • Other Name

    Throwing Stone (English)

  • Description

    Maka tau. Throwing stone. This large maka tau is made from poupou ana hifo mai luga (stalactite) 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 and roughly egg shaped. However its ends taper slightly to rounded points and its surface is uneven with knotty protuberances and gouged out furrows.

    Its exterior is also flat in some parts, as opposed to rounded. It is off white in colour, with the milky tones of the stalactite showing through in parts, but is also mottled with grey and brown and some red brown specks or stains. Its exterior surface is smooth and polished in places but is mostly rough in texture with numerous abrasions, gouges and marks covering it. There are also some fine grey lines or veins of the stalactite that are visible. 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
  • Accession Number
    1931.580
  • Accession Date
    16 Nov 1931
  • Other Id

    16862.4 (ethnology)

  • Department
Maka tau, 1931.580, 16862.4, Photographed by Richard Ng,… … Read more

Images and documents

Images

Artefact

The development of the Auckland War Memorial Museum online collection is an ongoing process; updates, new images and records are added weekly. In some cases, records have yet to be confirmed by Museum staff, and there could be mistakes or omissions in the information provided.

The gift of curiosity

With unlimited free entry to all paid exhibitions, discounted event tickets and exclusive Member-only events, a Museum Membership is the gift that keeps on giving year-round.

SEE OPTIONS FROM $60

The gift of curiosity