Important Carved Toki Poutangata Representing John Ballance

Important toki poutangata handle, a fine and important carved toki poutangata a carved wood handle with a full figure at the top of the blade representing John Ballance (realistic) the figure, seated with arms resting stark, legs slightly bent, feet extending into a carved manaia head the face of the figure features traditional moko and blackened coiffure and moustache. Two large masks guard the figure and lead to a carved platform for attachment of a prestigious toki. All over carving with double haehae and pataki notching a light brown patina the toki poutangata is believed to be attributed to the ngati tarawhai carver Anaha Te Rahui (most recognised for the portrait painted of him by Charles Goldie). Around the turn of the century Anaha was involved in the production of smaller carvings for sale to Europeans. He became an innovator in designing small bowls, ornate, carved jewellery chests, tobacco pipes, tinder boxes and replicas of traditional artefacts the museums in Auckland and Wellington also contracted him to supply items for their Maori displays. John Ballance served as the 14th Premier of New Zealand at the end of the 19th century, and was the founder of the Liberal party and the Wanganui Herald. Born in 1839, John Ballance migrated to New Zealand from Ireland in 1866 settling in Wanganui in his role as native land officer it was at his suggestion that Horonuku Te Heuheu Tukino IV of ngati Tuwharetoa gifted land in the central plateau of the North Island for the establishment of Tongariro National Park in 1887. But while his willingness to consult on Maori affairs enhanced Ballance's reputation as compared with that of his predecessor, John Bryce, he did not revise Bryce's policy of reducing expenditure on native affairs, and Maori hopes that Ballance's Native Land Administration Act 1886 would restore to them control of their land were not fulfilled. This unique item is a finely crafted Union of New Zealand History, as it tandem navigates the lives of two notable New Zealand ers, one Maori the other Pakeha a very similar example was donated to the Wanganui Museum by Ballance's widow, Mrs Ellen Ballance. Accession no. 1895.38. Height 32.5 cm. Width 18 cm