Walking stick or orator's staff (tokotoko) c. 1901
Wood, haliotis shell | 98 x 12.5 x 3 cm (whole object) | RCIN 69421
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A carved, polished Maori wooden walking stick with a plain lower half, the upper half carved in the form of two stylised heads with haliotis-shell eyes and a standing figure. The figure rests its three-fingered hands on its stomach and its elongated head forms the crook of the stick, which terminates in another stylised face with protruding tongue.
This walking stick or orator's staff is known as a tokotoko. It is a symbol of authority, usually held during formal speeches.Provenance
May have been presented to The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later King George V and Queen Mary) during their tour of New Zealand in 1901
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Creator(s)
(nationality)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Wood, haliotis shell
Measurements
98 x 12.5 x 3 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Alternative title(s)
Tokotoko
Place of Production
New Zealand