91Èȱ¬

This Maori knife is thought to have been collected on one of Captain Cook's voyages during the 18th century. Many Maori woodcarvings were treasured objects that became precious and sacred heirlooms. This carved knife from New Zealand is decorated with shell inlays and extremely sharp shark's teeth. It is probably a ceremonial object as the elaborate carving is more decorative than practical. It might have been used to butcher meat at special feasts which were an important part of Maori culture. These feasts brought together a number of different families and other social groups.