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He Taoka o te Rā (Object of the Day)

Toki Pou Tāngata 

This is a Toki Pou Tāngata or ceremonial adze worked from pounamu that is lashed to a finely carved handle. Toki Pou Tāngata would be used by rangatira on ceremonial occasions, such as the felling of trees for a waka or the poutokomanawa of a Marae, and was a symbol of chiefly authority. 

  

Toki Pou Tangata

Image: Toki Pou Tāngata; Otago Museum Collection