19th Century Ruatangaeo (Ceremonial Adze)

19th Century Adzes from Mangaia in the Southern Cook Islands stand out for their exquisitely adorned shafts and detailed lashings, making them distinct from any other Pacific variants. 

While some of these Mangaian adzes, with shafts suitable for one-handed use, served dual purposes as weapons and symbols of social prestige, others with more extensive shafts and intricate designs were primarily ceremonial. 

The hallmarks of these unique Mangaian tools are their impeccably polished heads, the sophisticated 'triple-triangle pattern' lashing, and the elaborately carved shafts.