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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 egg shaped with some flattened sides or planes that also make it look slightly rectangular. It is light brown and greyish in colour.

    Its exterior surface has been ground smooth however some fine lines, cracks, and natural furrows or contours remain on the stone. 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
    1931.580
  • Accession Date
    16 Nov 1931
  • Other Id

    16862.5 (ethnology)

  • Department

    Pacific

Maka tau, 1931.580, 16862.5, Photographed by Richard Ng,… … Read more

Images and documents

Images

  • Maka tau, 1931.580, 16862.5, Photographed by Richard Ng, digital, 08 Jan 2019, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • Maka tau, 1931.580, 16862.5, Photographed by Richard Ng, digital, 08 Jan 2019, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • Maka tau, 1931.580, 16862.5, Photographed by Richard Ng, digital, 08 Jan 2019, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • Maka tau, 1931.580, 16862.5, Photographed by Richard Ng, digital, 08 Jan 2019, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • stone, sling

Artefact

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