Apr 1, 2021
Nov 12, 2009
Apr 1, 2021
Nov 12, 2009
Apr 1, 2021

Ceremonial Adze

Ceremonial Adze

1800s

Part of a set. See all set records

Wood, stone, fiber

Overall: 10.2 cm (4 in.); Blade: 9.3 x 3.6 cm (3 11/16 x 1 7/16 in.)

Gift of Richard Inglis 1940.1078

Location

Description

Before European contact, Polynesian carving tools were fashioned from bone, shell, stone, or teeth. The introduction of iron tools facilitated carving, while the demand of European sailors and missionaries for souvenirs provided a new market for craft products. Ceremonial adzes probably represented gods or spirits. The wooden handle of this example is carved with the characteristic K motif. The stone adze blade is lashed to the handle with finely plaited sennit fiber cord. According to legend, the distinctive pattern formed by the sennit lashing was taught to Mangaian craftsman by the gods.

See also
Collection: 
Oceanic Art
Department: 
Oceania
Type of artwork: 
Sculpture

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