Late 19th/Early 20th-Century Tokotoko, presented to Sir Cyri...

Hammer

£480

Late 19th/Early 20th-Century Tokotoko, presented to Sir Cyril Newall

New Zealand
Carved Wood & Paua Shell
83cm long

This Te Arawa tokotoko features a vertical sequence of carved figures, each intricately linked to represent whakapapa (genealogy) and ancestral presence. The figures are adorned with deeply incised haehae (parallel grooves)and pākati (notched chevrons)—hallmarks of the Anaha Te Rahui carving school. Each figure’s pāua shell eyes symbolise ancestral vision and spiritual awareness. The handle is carved in the form of a stylised bird head, likely a manu rangatira (chiefly bird).

Historical Provenance:

This finely carved tokotoko was presented to Sir Cyril Newall, on the 24th March 1943, during the official opening ceremony of Te Awahou's whare wananga, Iawakeheimoa. The ceremony took place in the Rotorua district and was attended by prominent Māori leaders, government officials, military representatives, and members of the public.

Condition:

Wear commensurate with age.

Keywords:

Taonga, Maori, New Zealand, Staff, Paddle, Hoe, Pendant, Axe, Club, Weapons, Pounamu, Greenstone, Nephrite, Jade, Kawakawa, Kahurangi, Inanga, Tangiwai, Paua Shell, Abalone, Lord, Sir, Cyril, Newall, Wellington, Auckland, Oceanic, Raharuhi Rukupo, Patu Onewa