The Cutting Edge: stone to steel tools in the 1800s (year 4 & up)

Prepare to dive into the fascinating world of Māori carving tools and their evolution over time—get ready to flex those arm muscles! 

Students will learn how sourcing and exchanging stone, as well as shaping it into tools, were essential for survival in Aotearoa for hundreds of years. Ākonga will roll up their sleeves and practice traditional Māori stone-working techniques. Additionally, an exploration of taonga and artifacts from the Puke Ariki collection will highlight the innovative ways tangata whenua upcycled European iron products into Māori tools, traps, and weapons during the early years of contact and trade with Europeans. Support material including pre and post visit activities and information will be provided on booking or by request,

Key Questions

Q) What kind of stone was used for tool making, and how was it utilised?

Q) Who were some of the first non-Māori newcomers to Aotearoa, and what were their reasons for coming?

Q) How and why was metal adapted for use by Māori in the early 1800s?