Axe

Item number Ij2 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Iron axe head, attached to a dark brown wooden handle. Designs on the handle include the repetition of spirals, circles, and ellipses. Design on the lower portion consists of two ellipses, one above the other, on each side, joining at each end on a downward pointing curve while having tiny triangles within. Design on the upper portion of the handle consists of four vertical rows of tiny triangles with plain vertical lines in between and sectioned off horizontally in three sections by the following from bottom to top: a continuous horizontal band that has tiny triangles within; a triple outlined oval that has tiny triangles within; and a triple discontinuous horrizontal band. Above, there is a downward curving design with a circle at the centre. Handle is slim and slightly tapered towards the base.

History Of Use

Iron axe head resembles the trade items called 'planing irons' which could be substituted for the stone blades of axes and adzes without modification of the handle. Handle is probably of totara or kauri pine. Shows distinctive carving style characterized by asymmetry, repetition of spirals, circles and ellipses and curvilinear design found on objects of ritual or other significance.