Cassera MAORI Adze ‘toki Pou-tangata’

Maori adze. 16 inches in length. Nephrite blade 7 inches x 1 7/8 inches. 2 pounds. Handle smooth with minimal craving. Top craved handle with bird or parrot transforming to humanform. Repeated decoration at bottom of the handle. Top figure with protruding tongue. Abalone eye inlay in six places. Said to be a Chief's weapon and symbol of authority. Nephrite blade original and has value.