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Story: Kōhatu – Māori use of stone

Stone drills

Stone drills

Tūwiri (drills) had two cords. The tip was a hard, sharp stone. Sand and water were used as an abrasive during drilling.

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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Reference: B.000881

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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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, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/8881/stone-drills (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Phil Moore and Bruce McFadgen, published 2 March 2009.