Maori Long-Handled Hatchet

The Maori Long-Handled Hatchet, known as a toki kakauroa, is a traditional weapon and prestige object crafted by Māori artisans of Aotearoa New Zealand, representing centuries of skilled indigenous craftsmanship. These objects were fashioned from pounamu (greenstone), basalt, or other hard stones, and feature elaborately carved wooden handles reflecting the spiritual and social status of their owners. Appearing regularly at international auction houses, these artifacts command significant prices as expressions of Māori material culture and artistic mastery.