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Story: Volcanoes

Obsidian knife

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Obsidian knife

Mayor Island obsidian (a black, glassy rock) was widely used for making tools because it could be easily trimmed, and retained sharp edges. It was widely traded through New Zealand. This flake knife was found near Gisborne.

Using this item

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira

Reference: AR8619

Permission of the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Richard Smith, David J. Lowe and Ian Wright, Volcanoes – Pacific Ring of Fire, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/8698/obsidian-knife (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Richard Smith, David J. Lowe and Ian Wright, published 2 March 2009.