Adze associated with Robert Louis Stevenson

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This adze was brought back from Samoa, Polynesia by members of the writer, Robert Louis Stevenson's family.

This hand tool would have been used on wood. The blade is a piece of shell.

Robert Louis Stevenson, 1850-94, moved to Samoa in 1889. His sympathetic support for the Samoan islanders brought their lasting regard and criticism from the British authorities. Some of his most exciting work was produced at this time.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-000-099-961-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: Innovators and Innovations (multimedia essay)
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1897.188.13
• Date: 19th century
  
• Material: Adze
  
• Dimensions: 290 mm L x 48 mm blade W
  
• What: Adze
  
• Subject: Tools
  
• Who: Robert Louis Stevenson (association)
  
• Where: Polynesia, Samoa
  
• Event:
• Description: Adze with blade of shell lashed to a wooden haft: Polynesian, Samoa
  
• References:
  • Calder, Jenni (ed.). Treasure Islands: a Robert Louis Stevenson centenary anthology. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland, 1994
• Translations:
• Related Records: