adze

Ceremonial adze with heavy shaped shaft which is elaborately carved, stone blade secured by vegetal fibre string binding. The number 11 is scratched on one end of the shaft. Original description (from Thomson's manuscript Catalogue of Banchory Museum, Item 13, p95): 'Used by natives of the North Coast of New Guinea. The stone is called by the natives Goenter, or Tooth of the Mountain, being discharged by the burning mountain on the Island - and picked up by the natives on the Beach. It is also used for rings and many other purposes. From Capn. Dighton. Mr Arthur Fraser.' Museum's Accessions Book 1941-1944, 1946-1963, p100: 'Adze used by natives of *New Guinea, heavily carved triangle. Stone called by Natives Tooth of Mountains. *Mr Fawcett (technician 1963 to 1966) recatalogued adze as being from Mangaia, Hervey or Cook Islands.'

Thomson, Alexander Mr

Early: 1750 Late: 1847 f

stone wood vegetable.fibre string

L(handle): 760 mm Dia(handle): 76 mm L(adze head)

Polynesia or Melanesia Cook.Islands or New.Guinea Mangaia