A Rare Black Basalt sling stone 'Toka Maka' from Raratonga, Cook Islands
A Rare Black Basalt sling stone ‘Toka Maka’ from Raratonga, Cook Islands
inscribed in white paint ‘Raratonga H 624 Hooper. Coll. No 969’
18th – 19th Century
Size : 6 cm dia., 5 cm high – 2¼ ins dia., 2 ins high
inscribed in white paint ‘Raratonga H 624 Hooper. Coll. No 969’
18th – 19th Century
Size : 6 cm dia., 5 cm high – 2¼ ins dia., 2 ins high
Sling stones were popular as weapons and together with clubs and spears were used in warfare between, and sometimes within, tribes on the Cook Islands.
Basalt stones were exclusively used on Raratonga. Known as 'Toka Maka' they were thrown from plaited coir pouches at great speed and in practised hands were a very effective weapon.
Basalt stones were exclusively used on Raratonga. Known as 'Toka Maka' they were thrown from plaited coir pouches at great speed and in practised hands were a very effective weapon.
A Rare Black Basalt sling stone 'Toka Maka' from Raratonga, Cook Islands
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