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Whao, Kawakawa pounamu, Nephrite chisel

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Te Hikoi Museum

An unfinished whao (chisel) made from mid-green kawakawa pounamu (greenstone). It has feather fracture markings, a medium translucency and chromite grain inclusions. Stone tool specialist, the late Russell Beck, described it as natural, with a chipped cutting edge, saw scarves on both sides, and a double bevel on the poll. Russell also noted that this whao was in the process of being reduced in size to avoid the broken corner. Russell identified the probable source for this pounamu as Arahura. Kawakawa is a variety of pounamu that ranges from strong dark to rich green in colour that commonly has small dark flecks.. It is the most common pounamu variety and named for the traditional association with the kawakawa leaf. Māori used whao (chisels) for more detailed woodwork and carving. Whao were usually lashed to karera (wooden handles for pounamu chisels) 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.

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