| Native Name | Kakau Toki Poutangata |
| Object Number | P3207 |
| Current Location | Collections Storage |
| Culture | Maori |
| Provenience | New Zealand |
| Period | Te Huringa I Period |
| Date Made | 1800 - 1900 CE |
| Section | Oceanian |
| Materials | Wood |
| Description | A kakau toki poutangata (ceremonial adze handle). The adze handle has a figure seated eating a lizard, its head held between their feet. A second figure is facing back, with a rounded head, tongue out, being attacked by manaia (spiritual guardian). The handle is covered in rauponga (rows of dog tooth notches between parallel grooves and ridges) surface carving. The carving style is Northern. A toki poutangata is a ceremonial adze that is used by a rangatira (chief) or person with a high rank and is a symbol of authority. It could also be used in battle, though the primary function is ceremonial. The blade would be made of pounamu (greenstone) with a finely carved wooden handle. |
| Length | 32 cm |
| Width | 22.5 cm |
| Credit Line | Purchased from the J. C. Stevens Auction Rooms, 1912 |
| Other Number | 27565 - Dealer's Number | 60a - Dealer's Number |
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