Ruatangaeo. Hafted adze. Toki (adze - triangular in cross section) of basalt toka (stone) lashed with finely braided puru akari (coconut sennit) to an intricately carved rakau haft with a squared pedestal base. The toki is carved and polished at the blade and left roughly pecked at the poll. Upper area of the poll is covered with a piece of shark skin between the toki and the lashing. K-form carving motifs (signature Mangaian carving motif) carved onto the rakau pedestal, among other geometric motifs. The toki is dark in colour. The lashing and carved rakau haft are natural in colour. Excellent condition overall. "12217 MANGAIA" handwritten in black ink on the base of the haft. "12217 MANGAIA pur." handwritten in white ink on side of toki. "MANGAIA COOK IS. REV. CULLEN" handwritten in black ink on red adhesive label on side of toki.