Adze of authority

Toki poutangata (ceremonial adzes) were owned by leaders and used only for ceremonial occasions.

The family orator, for example, would gesture with a toki poutangata as he spoke. A toki poutangata was also placed on the body of a chief as he lay in state. Its finely carved handle would be buried with him, and another handle would be made for the new leader.

Some toki poutangata have notches along their side edges, which could represent whakapapa (genealogy).

These toki poutangata each have a hole at one end, used to help fasten the blade to its handle.