Maori Adze - Toki Pou Tangata

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Hand carved by Glen Surgenor from Hokitika on the west coast of the south island of New Zealand. Glen Surgenor has been carving greenstone for over 25 years. Glen uses traditional methods when carving, this piece was sand stone rubbed for that authentic artifact feel and appearance, just as the old Maori masters would have crafted them.

This piece is a beautiful example of a Maori Adze, or Toki Pou Tangata. It is 12 inches long and has Hei Tiki carved into it's wooden handle.

This Toki is made from Arahua greenstone/Pounamu and is a one off unique piece and will not be available again.

The blade of the Toki is fashioned from a piece of shakey mottled Arahua greenstone/Pounamu and it really looks the part.

This Toki (adze) is not a toy, the blade is sharp, so care must be taken.

The Head of the Toki (Adze) is 4 inches (100mm) long x 1.75 inches (45mm) and 10 mm thick. The carved wooden handle is 12 inches long

It is finished off with a plaited and bound waxed polyester tread handle loop.

Gallery

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The Toki (Adze)

This is a beautiful example of the Maori Adze, or Toki Pou Tangata. Traditionally the Maori Adze was used as a large chisel tool used for smoothing rough-cut wood in hand woodworking, however in wartimes the adze or toki are known to have been used by Maori warriors. The Maori also attribute the spiritual meaning of strengh and power to the Toki.