Papua New Guinean Chloromelanite Adze Blades
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Two Papua New Guinean adze blades, teardrop shape with smooth surface. Carved from highly prized chloromelanite which was found in the Cycloop mountains. This extremely hard, veined, jade-like stone varies in colour according to the surrounding minerals from pale to extremely dark green, almost black. The blades were very roughly shaped by 'Pecking', striking with a hammer stone, to reduce them to a very basic shape which was then ground away using a sandstone. It was further polished with sand and water, an extremely time-consuming and labour intensive process. The beauty of the stone was such that not only was it appreciated for its usefulness but adze blades were also made for ceremonial purposes and probably also as a form of currency. One with a flake to the blade. 16 cm length
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This item has been included into following indexes:
- Maori artefacts