An ancient, large toki votive adze, an object of prestige rather than a real tool, it testifies to the elegance of the archipelago's art. The refinement of the decoration, covering the entire adze in herringbone pattern, is matched by the finesse of the braided fiber ligature and the ancient, polished, basalt-cut blade. Mangaia, Cook Islands, Polynesia Wood, plant fibers, basalt, small visible accidents and old missing parts, beautiful old patina. Height: 83cm Provenance: Private collection, Paris Private collection, Paris