Oceania, Polynesia, Tonga, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. A fantastic hafted adze of a tall, slender form that is hand-carved from caramel-hued hardwood. The lengthy body exhibits smooth surfaces and a pointed upper shoulder, a protruding hafting platform beneath a carved-out recess, and a round-topped stone blade with an acutely angled edge. The stone blade is fitted into the hafting recess and tightly bound with lengths of braided coconut sennet fibers that create a sturdy and efficient tool. The adze was one of the most important tools among pre-contact Polynesia and Melanesia based on their unfamiliarity with forging metal. The adze was used for both utilitarian and ceremonial practices and was seen as a symbol of both rank and status. Size: 9.4" W x 21.2" H (23.9 cm x 53.8 cm); 22.5" H (57.2 cm) on included custom stand.
For a stylistically similar example from the 19th or early 20th century, please see The Auckland War Memorial Museum (Tamaki Paenga Hira), accession number 1944.132
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Tad Dale collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired between 1960 and 2000
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#154583
Condition
Stone blade re-hafted onto shoulder, with light adhesive residue along some sennet fibers. Minor abrasions and stable fissures to wooden handle and shoulder, with minor fraying and desiccation to sennet fibers commensurate with age, and minor nicks to stone blade. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.