Story: Rock, limestone and clay

‘Digging with the ko’

‘Digging with the ko’

In this 1907 painting by Gottfried Lindauer, men are using kō (digging sticks) to prepare the soil for planting. As horticulturists, Māori were well aware of the different soils in which their main crop, kūmara (sweet potato), would flourish. They improved heavy soils by adding gravel and sand.

Using this item

Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tāmaki
Oil painting by Gottfried Lindauer

Permission of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Rock, limestone and clay - Aggregate', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/5206/digging-with-the-ko (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 12 Jun 2006