Story: Kōhatu – Māori use of stone

Nephrite adze

Nephrite adze

Arekatera Maihi, of the Ngāti Whātua and Ngāpuhi tribes, uses a toki pounamu (New Zealand jade adze) at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Craft Institute, where traditional methods of carving are often used. While pounamu occurs naturally only in the South Island, the adzes have been found throughout New Zealand – indicating extensive trade in pounamu artefacts.

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New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute
Photograph by Shirley Williams

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How to cite this page:

Phil Moore and Bruce McFadgen, 'Kōhatu – Māori use of stone - Stone tools', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8879/nephrite-adze (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Phil Moore and Bruce McFadgen, published 12 Jun 2006