WINGMAN

WINGMAN

A New Zealand Pounamu Ceremonial Toki Poutangata (Adze) sculpture, hand carved by Alex Sands.

WINGMAN is large and fabulous - a wonderful display of top quality, creative carving in fine New Zealand Pounamu.

A beautiful and original sculptural piece - it can be easily removed from the stand, held and handled. We recommend that you do this regularly!

WINGMAN is a large piece and an exceptional representation of this very traditional weapon and tool. The handle is made from native Manuka wood and has a hand-plaited cord and wooden base.

A little about this traditional tool... 

The toki poutangata is a symbol of chiefly authority and tribal leadership in Māori culture. It features a beautifully crafted pounamu (greenstone) blade, sometimes adorned with decorative kaniwha notches, which may have serve as a mnemonic device to aid in the recitation of genealogies. The jade blade is bound to an intricately carved wooden handle. These adzes were considered tribal heirlooms, often given personal names and even believed to possess magical powers.

Toki poutangata were used for ceremonial occasions, such as felling a great tree for the construction of an important waka (canoe) or the ridgepole of a wharenui (meeting house). The first woodchips cut from the tree were taken by a tohunga (priest or expert) to a sacred place, where karakia (prayers) were offered to Tānemahuta, the god of the forest, in gratitude for the sacrifice of his offspring. Sometimes, the woodchips were ceremonially returned to the forest to encourage new growth.

It is also believed that the toki poutangata was originally used for the ceremonial execution of captives. Upon the death of its owner, the carved handle was buried with them, while the pounamu blade remained with the tribe. Once a new chief was chosen, a new handle was crafted and fastened to the blade, continuing its legacy.

WINGMAN - AN EXCEPTIONAL PIECE OF TRADITIONAL CARVED ART... a fantastic showcase piece!

If you have any questions please email Bo: bo@nzpacific.com

WORLDWIDE POSTAGE INCLUDED

Artist: Alex Sands

Material: New Zealand Jade, Pounamu with Pāua Shell and Manuka Hardwood

Toki Size: 340mm (13 inches) long; 20mm (0.78 inches) width of handle

Jade Blade: 140mm (5.5 inches) long; 35mm (1.3 inches) Wide

Stand Size: 245mm (9.6 inches) long; 305mm (12 inches) wide

Height of Sculpture: 300mm (11.8 inches)