Ceremonial axe

This nbouet, or gi okono, (axe) was made by the Kanak people of New Caledonia sometime in the nineteenth century. Known in French as 'haches ostensoirs', these ceremonial axes were among the most highly prized items of Kanak customary wealth. They are said to be symbols of chiefs, were used in ceremonies and as standards in warfare. Some sources claim that these axes represent the Kanak view of the cosmos. The blade represents the top of a tree or ‘upper world’ and the butt of the handle represents the Earth. The handle or trunk forms a link between the Earth and the sky, connecting physical and spiritual worlds.

Decoration

These axes have large round blades made from nephrite (greenstone) which has been polished with sand and ashes. It is estimated that one metre of stone block must be hammered to produce a 25cm disc of nephrite. The handle is made from wood and is bound with a sennit fibre that is often covered in red flying fox fur. The handle may also be decorated with elaborate woven fibre decorations, tapa cloth and shells. The wood of the handle is sometimes decorated with areas of carving. There are often tassels hanging from the handle.

Acquisition

This is one of several examples of nbouet in Te Papa’s collections. In 1948, the New Zealand Government purchased it for an undisclosed sum from the London dealer and collector W O Oldman.