Oceania, Papua New Guinea, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fine wood and rattan adze chopping tool with a stone blade for shaping and carving wood. The wooden handle is a slightly curved branch with a naturally forked T-shaped head at the top, perfect for attaching the blade. The stone fits into a slot on wooden tip and is bound in place with the rattan wrapping. The adze was one of the most important tools among pre-contact New Guinea based on their unfamiliarity with forging metal. It was used for both utilitarian practices - such as carving canoes - as well as for ceremonial practices, and was a symbol of both rank and status. Size: 21" L x 11" W (53.3 cm x 27.9 cm)
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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#141574
Condition
Stable fissures that run the length of the handle. Abrasion and chips to the stone blade. Nice patina to the handle and rattan.