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1900.29.1

Tool consisting of a cylindrical wooden shaft on to which has been bound with plaited sennit a piece of turtle shell. [JC 10 10 2003]

On display

1900.29.1

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Collection type
Object
Description
Tool consisting of a cylindrical wooden shaft on to which has been bound with plaited sennit a piece of turtle shell. [JC 10 10 2003]
Long description
Tool of uncertain use (breadfruit splitter?, scoop?, spade?, digging-stick?) consisting of a cylindrical (?) wooden shaft on to which has been bound with plaited (?) sennit a piece of turtle shell. The turtle shell head is triangular and slightly curved. The top of the stick is covered with plant fibre and secured to the turtle shell with a cord of plaited sennit. The top of the stick is bound with plaited sennit. [MJD 23/07/2013]
Geographical reference
Tonga
Oceania > Polynesia > Tonga
Person
Field collector H.A. Tufnell
Field collector Henry Archibald Tufnell
PRM source Henry Anson
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1900
Date collected
By 1900
Acquisition information
Donated: 1900
Materials and processes
Material Turtleshell Reptile, Material Sennit Coconut Seed Fibre Plant, Material Wood Plant, Material Plant Leaf, Process Carved, Process Bound, Process Plaited, Process Perforated, Process Tied
Dimensions
Width 29 mm stick, Width: max 175 mm, Length: max 2160 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1900.29.1
Research and responses

For information about the possible use of such objects and similar pieces elsewhere, see the record for PRM 1897.83.26. [JC 10/10/2003]

This object was examined by Fergus Clunie during a research visit on 24 July 2013. He stated it is actually a pruning spade used to trim drooping leaves from plantain trees, and a badge of chiefly office. The end of the stick has wear from touching the ground. The top of the stick is covered with a palm leaf, called vulo = Fiji and kaka = Tongan. [MJD 24/07/2013]

Associated publications
This object was featured in the Museum's audio guide produced during the DCF-funded 'What's Upstairs?' project, 2004–2006. [BR 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 8/11/2005]

Search terms: Food and Drink, Tool, Food and Fuel Gathering, Agriculture and Horticulture, Status, Scoop, Digging Stick, Spade, Food Accessory