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 pou pou ana tupu mai lalo (coral lime stone stalagmite) 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 spherical and slightly ovoid. Its ends taper to two points and it has been ground down on one side so that is it slightly less rounded there.

    It is dark brown in colour with some lines that are light brown and grey in colour, and some abrasions that show up white on the surface. Its exterior surface is extremely textured with scratches and small marks, presumably from being hammer-dressed into shape. The fine lines or veins of the stalagmite are also visible on the surface of the maka tau. There are also 3-4 distinct black spots or stains on the flatter side of 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
  • Accession Date
    1892
  • Other Id

    11715.1 (ethnology)

  • Department
Maka tau, 11715.1, Photographed by Richard Ng, digital, 08… … 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