Adze
The English word ‘tattoo’ is a corruption of the Tahitian word ‘tatau’ - meaning ‘to mark’, ‘to tap’ or ‘to inflict wounds’. The adze was dipped in ink (baked candlenuts and oil) and skilfully and rhythmically tapped into the skin. This painful process remains connected with ceremony, lineage and social status.
Acquired by horticulturist John Gould Veitch who was on board the ship Curacoa in 1865. This was later donated to RAMM in 1880 by the Veitch family.
Length 183mm.
Acquired by horticulturist John Gould Veitch who was on board the ship Curacoa in 1865. This was later donated to RAMM in 1880 by the Veitch family.
Length 183mm.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- E1916
- Category
- Ethnography
- Collection Class
- Personal objects
- Collection Area Region
- POLYN
- Material
- turtle shellwood
- Common Name
- adze
- Simple Name
- adze
- Production Country
- Fiji
- Production Year High
- 1865
