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Whao, Pakohe, Argillite chisel

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Te Hikoi Museum

A dark green pakohe whao (argillite chisel) with a chipped cutting edge. It is finished has been flaked, hammer dressed and partly ground. It also has a shouldered tang which is unusual for a whao. The initials 'A.L.G.' are marked on the back face in white paint. Argillite is a fine-grained sedimentary rock composed predominately of clay particles. Stone tool specialist, the late Russell Beck, identified the probable source of the stone as being from Tihaka. Māori used whao (chisels) for more detailed woodwork and carving. Whao were usually lashed to kakau roa (wooden handles) and struck with a tā (striking mallet). Smaller whao, were used for more detailed work, and did not require the use of a tā, giving the kaiwhakairo (carver) more control.

Ngā whakamārama -
Details

  • Title

    Whao, Pakohe, Argillite chisel

  • Maker

    Unknown Kaimahi whao (Chisel maker)

  • Date made

    1250-1900

  • Subject

    Māori, Taoka/Taonga, Tools

  • Additional information

    inorganic, stone, pakohe, argillite, l 85 mm x w 43 mm x d 10 mm 58 g

  • Rights

    All rights reserved

  • View source record for this item

    https://ehive.com/collections/3278/objects/1468875

Kei hea tēnei taonga? -
Where is this item held?

Te Hikoi Museum

Whare taonga | Organisation

Te Hikoi Museum

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  • Text adapted with permission from Te Papa and Digital NZ

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