This is a mantlepiece ornament of one of our editorial group.
Says Te Papa:
“The toki poutangata is a symbol of chiefly authority and tribal leadership. Made from an elegantly fashioned pounamu blade, often decorated with ornamental kaniwha notches that may be a mnemonic device to assist in the recitation of genealies; and fastened to carved wooden handle. Toki poutangata are tribal heirlooms and ascribed personal names, and even magical powers.
“Toki poutangata were used on ceremonial occasions, such as the felling of a great tree for a significant waka (canoe) or for the ridgepole of a wharenui or meeting house. The first chips cut from the tree were taken by the tohunga to a special place where karakia of thanksgiving were recited to the god of the forest, Tanemahuta in acknowledgement of the sacrifice of his offspring. The chips might also be returned ceremonially to the forest to nurture new growth.
“It is believed that the toki poutangata was originally used for the ceremonial execution of captives. Upon the death of its owner, the special handle was buried with them while the pounamu blade remained with the tribe. Once it had been decided who would succeed the chief, another handle was fashioned and lashed to the adze. This toki poutangata has a carved wooden handle.”
Looks like a typical maori elite (there are a few – the maaahootaa, jackie boy, and the others), in the “half-lying-configuration”, waiting to be served by the “pakeha slaves”.
As Sooty carving goes, this looks like a drunk Honkey did it.
The notches are reminiscent of the notches cut on one’s leather belt as a record of strokes of the cane for committing misdemeanours at boys’ secondary schools ” in the day ” up until the middle of last century – hence the the term ‘getting the cuts’ ..My guess is that the notches on the thingamajig (English translation) pictured is the numerical record of ‘ ceremonial executions’.
(but the handle probably would have to have been much longer to contain a true record.)
Goodness! The first ritual you mention — giving misbehaving boys sore bottoms — was standard until the mid 1970s when it began to diminish. Maybe boys took pride in it as a visible expression of their toughness? This adze was for ceremonial use, unlikely to have been very practical as an axe?