Adze

Adzes of this kind were a form of god image, possibly related to Tane-mata-ariki. The stone blades were not only tools, but also exchange valuables. Often the blades predate the handles. When missionary influence spread in the 1820s and Cook Islanders converted to Christianity, these adzes were widely collected and local specialists began making them for sale as curios.

Object Summary

Accession Loan No.
33/1953/8b
Category
Ethnography
Collection Class
Religion and magic
Collection Area Region
POLYN
Material
basalt or dioritecoconut fibre
Common Name
adze
Simple Name
adze
Production County
Mangaia
Production Country
Cook Islands
Production Year High
1953

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ceremonial adze