Maori Adze, New Zealand
Greenstone (probably nephrite)
length 6in (15.3cm)
Provenance:
Norman Hurst, Cambridge, Massachusettes
Eric and Esther Fortess, Boston, Massachusetts
With a fitted leather case and original letter from Dr. R.D. Skinner, Keeper, Department of Anthropology, Otago University Museum, Dunedin, stating:
"This adze was made by some old time Maori out of fine quality nephrite, called by the Maoris pounamu. This particular piece of stone probably came from Westland in the district south of the Arahura River. One side shows clearly the two scarfs required to cut the stone. It is evident from these that a very blunt cutter was used."
