Maori Stone Tools for Flax Preparation and Adze Crafting

A patu muka, Maori stone flax fibre pounder and a Greywacke…
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A patu muka, Maori stone flax fibre pounder and a Greywacke toki, Maori adze blade, the patu muka with greywacke ovoid body shape and short grip. Used in the preparation of muka by beating the fibres extracted from New Zealand flax (harakeke), to produce traditional Maori clothing, particularly cloaks. The leaves of the flax were scraped and the fibre stripped away, washed and bleached in the sun. It was then rolled into hanks which were beaten on a flat stone to soften the fibre. The weft was completed by finger twining to create the cloth, without a loom. National registration number: Y21005, length 21 cm, width 7 cm, diameter 7 cm. The adze blade made of greywacke, probably from Hauraki Gulf. Of flattened and tapered trapezoidal form. Lower end of adze curved suggesting this was previously the bevel. Bevel on back has straight well-defined chin, bevel angle steep. Evidence of having been used and re-sharpened many times. National registration number: Y21003, length 17 cm, width 7 cm, diameter 3 cm

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  • Oviform /ovoid - The outline loosely resembling the shape of an egg.
  • Bevel / Chamfer - In furniture making, a chamfered corner refers to a technique used to create a smooth, angled edge on the corner of a piece of furniture. This is typically done by cutting away a small portion of the corner at an angle, typically 45 degrees, creating a diagonal edge, rather than a sharp 90-degree angle. This technique can be used on various parts of a piece of furniture such as table legs, drawer fronts, or door frames. Chamfering can add visual interest to a piece and can help to soften the overall look of a piece of furniture. It is often used in conjunction with other techniques, such as rounding edges or using contrasting wood species to create a more elegant, sophisticated look. Chamfering is a simple way to add a touch of elegance to a piece of furniture and it is a common technique used by furniture makers.

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