New Zealand
Māori
18th century or earlier
Pounamu, 18kt gold plaque
Length 6 1/4 in / 15.9 cm
Thickness 7 1/8 in / 18.1 cm — please verify, as this appears unusually large for the stated length
Provenance: London trade
This Māori adze blade is made from pounamu, a highly valued New Zealand stone associated with status, lineage, and exchange. The surface retains evidence of fine sawing, likely made with cordage and abrasive sand, reflecting the labor-intensive shaping methods used for worked pounamu. The later 18kt gold plaque reading “from Lizzie” suggests the piece was treasured after collection, possibly intended for repurposing into personal adornment such as earrings or a hei tiki.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
New Zealand
Māori
18th century or earlier
Pounamu, 18kt gold plaque
Length 6 1/4 in / 15.9 cm
Thickness 7 1/8 in / 18.1 cm — please verify, as this appears unusually large for the stated length
Provenance: London trade
This Māori adze blade is made from pounamu, a highly valued New Zealand stone associated with status, lineage, and exchange. The surface retains evidence of fine sawing, likely made with cordage and abrasive sand, reflecting the labor-intensive shaping methods used for worked pounamu. The later 18kt gold plaque reading “from Lizzie” suggests the piece was treasured after collection, possibly intended for repurposing into personal adornment such as earrings or a hei tiki.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
