Axe

Item number Ij1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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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.)