Ceremonial Adze
Item number 2838/1 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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Description
Carved ceremonial adze with small carved stand (part b) to hold blade for upright display. Adze is decorated mainly in three sections: at the top appear to be two entwined creatures, both with circular shell eyes; at centre of handle is another carved creature with circular shell eyes, and another is carved at the butt end. Adze has a long narrow dark green stone blade, which is lashed to the handle with a light yellow-white twine. The stand is wood with a slot carved for the blade and decorative designs carved into the sides.
History Of Use
The Toki poutangata was a ceremonial adze used by a high chief (Ariki) for important ceremonies, such as the opening of a tribal house or to start or finish a war canoe. When a great chief died, the greenstone blade would be removed and the carved handle buried with him. A new handle would be carved for a descendant and the old blade lashed onto it, so that the blade could be passed from generation to generation.
Specific Techniques
The carved figures represent the owner's ancestors. The surface design is Rape Rape, which shows movement. The wood is Kauri, which is ancient wood gathered from north island bog sites. The shell for the eyes is Paua (abalone).
Item History
- Made by Clive Fugill (Maker) in Wellington, North Island, New Zealand during 2010
- Collected by Carol E. Mayer
- Owned by Iwi Art before November 24, 2010
- Received from Iwi Art (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source) on November 24, 2010
What
- Name
- Ceremonial Adze
- Identification Number
- 2838/1 a-b
- Type of Item
- adze
- Material
- kauri wood, stone, abalone shell and fibre
- Overall
- height 27.6 cm, width 5.4 cm, depth 35.0 cm
- Part A
- height 4.0 cm, width 26.0 cm, depth 39.0 cm
- Part B
- height 2.6 cm, width 5.0 cm, depth 3.3 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Wellington, North Island, New Zealand
Who
- Culture
- Maori
- Creator
- Clive Fugill (Maker)
- Field Collector
- Carol E. Mayer
- Previous Owner
- Iwi Art
- Received from
- Iwi Art (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source)
When
- Creation Date
- during 2010
- Ownership Date
- before November 24, 2010
- Acquisition Date
- on November 24, 2010
Other
- Condition
- excellent
- Current Location
- Case 56
- Accession Number
- 2838/0001 a-b
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