Axe Item Number: Ij1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Dark green stone axe or adze head of nephrite. General triangular shape from rough rectangular base. One side is flat tapering at an angle to a point while the other side is curving covexely to a point, creating a straight edge. Finely worked with evidence of use.
History Of Use
Nephrite, found only on South Island was the most precious possession of the Maori. This shape of worked "greenstone" is considered typical of the Classic Maori Period. Most greenstone adzes are ordinary working tools made in this material because it could sharpened to a hard keen edge. (Long slender greenstone blades were tied with ornamental lashings to carved handles to serve as chiefly emblems of rank and authority.)
Cultural Context
everyday
Item History
- Made in New Zealand before 1910
- Collected during 1910
- Owned by Graeme Chalmers before February 17, 1977
- Received from Graeme Chalmers (Donor) on February 17, 1977
What
- Name
- Axe
- Identification Number
- Ij1
- Type of Item
- axe
- Material
- nephrite mineral
- Manufacturing Technique
- chipped and polished
- Overall
- height 3.5 cm, width 5.8 cm, depth 13.2 cm
Who
- Culture
- Maori
- Previous Owner
- Graeme Chalmers
- Received from
- Graeme Chalmers (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- New Zealand
When
- Creation Date
- before 1910
- Collection Date
- during 1910
- Ownership Date
- before February 17, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on February 17, 1977
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 55
- Accession Number
- 0353/0001