Fine Late 18th C. Tahitian Stone Adze Blade - Toki

Oceania, French Polynesia, Society Islands, Tahiti, ca. late 18th to first half of the 19th century CE. A fabulous and finely preserved example of a hand-carved stone toki ("adze blade" in Tahitian). The toki has a stocky body with a tapered tang protruding from the angled shoulder, an elongated head with sharply angled peripheries, and a characteristically rounded topside that gradually tapers to form the acutely angled blade head. Smooth patina envelops the entire tool and imbues it with a fabulous presentation that shows signs of use. Since metal was virtually unknown to Polynesian cultures prior to Western contact, stone tools like this example were some of the most important items they could possess. Size: 1.8" W x 8.8" H (4.6 cm x 22.4 cm); 9.875" H (25.1 cm) on included custom stand.

For two stylistically similar examples, please see The Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa), registration numbers FE006537 and FE008547.

For a stylistically similar example still within its original handle, please see The Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford, museum number 1886.1.1334.

Provenance: ex-Abe Rosman collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired between 1960 and 2000

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#153876
Condition Report: Minor nicks to bottom and tang, with light abrasions, otherwise intact and near-choice. Smooth patina throughout. Old inventory number in black ink on side of blade.