Toki (stone adze blade)

item details

NameToki (stone adze blade)

ProductionUnknown; carver; 1250-1800; Hawke's Bay

Classificationadzes, toki, hand tools, blades

Materialsgraywacke, stone

Techniqueslapidary

DimensionsOverall: 66mm (width), 265mm (length), 58mm (depth), 1976.08g (weight)

Registration NumberME003816

Credit lineGift of Mrs Thomas Purvis Russell, 1921

Overview

This toki (adze) blade represents a rare sub-group of Māori toki, the Type 1. Type 1 toki are characterised by their quadrangular shape and reduced 'tang' or grip at the poll end for lashing to a wooden handle. In New Zealand they are associated with the Moa Hunter period, or first settlement phase (1100-1300).

Type 1 toki
This particular sub-group of toki can be further identified by the raised curved 'brow' delineating the blade and grip, and, more particularly, the ornamental pair of conjoined koru (spiral pattern) that has been hammer-dressed onto the poll end. Type 1 toki are typically made from Tararua greywacke, sourced from the Tararua Range in the lower North Island. They are found mainly in the Hawke's Bay district, which is associated originally with the tribes descended from the Kurahaupō waka (the traditional migration canoe of tribes from Manawatū, Taranaki, and adjacent areas), and latterly with those of the Takitimu waka. Interestingly, similar toki with ornamental koru (spiral) patterns have also been found on Rapanui (Easter Island).