Ceremonial Adze and Stand

Artist Unknown

Dateearly 20th century

MediumWood, stone, coral, and twine

Dimensions26 7/8 x 10 1/8 x 1 3/8 in. (68.3 x 25.7 x 3.5 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hanes

Object number86.18

On View

Not on view

Label Text
Oceanic artists employed basic and simple tools, the most important of which was the adze, an ax with a polished blade set at right angles to the handle. In parts of Micronesia and Melanesia (the Trobriand Islands) where suitable stone was rare or lacking, blades were made of pieces of coral or shell from large clams. Adzes of different sizes were employed for various purposes. Ceremonial adzes, such as this one, typically showed more ornamentation than did those for everyday use. The polished finish of the wood most likely was brought about by abrasion with plants containing silicic acid. Object Rights Statement

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