Toki, Pakohe, Argillite adze
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Te Hikoi Museum
An unfinished toki (adze) made from green pakohe (argillite). The toki has been hammer-dressed and flaked. There has also been an attempt to grind on both sides of the toki and stone tool specialist, the late Russell Beck, noted that this is a good example of adze manufacture at this particular stage. Russell characterised this toki as being Type 1A. Pakohe is a fine-grained sedimentary rock composed predominately of clay particles that was used by Māori to create tools and other items. We know from its presence at a number of sites that Māori traded and transported pakohe all over the country and that it was a high-value stone. The probable source of this stone is Tihaka. This is one of over 350 toki (Māori adzes) in our collection. They range in size, stone type, and source; covering all stages of manufacture from rough pre forms to ground finished tools. Toki were bound to kakau roa (wooden handles) and used for woodworking such as waka building, tree felling, hollowing out items, and squaring off planks. Whao (chisels) were used for finer work. These two links share more background and show how toki were made. 'A new edge to the environment', Te Papa, 2006 'Te Ara, Kōhatu, Māori use of stone, Making an adze'
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Details
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Title
Toki, Pakohe, Argillite adze
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Maker
Unknown Kaimahi toki (Adze maker)
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Date made
1250-1900
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Subject
Māori, Tools, Taoka/Taonga
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Additional information
inorganic, stone, pakohe, argillite, l 292 mm x w 95 mm x d 48 mm 2076 g
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Rights
All rights reserved
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Location
170-172 Palmerston Street, Riverton, Southland
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Website
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Te Hikoi Museum
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Text adapted with permission from Te Papa and Digital NZ
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