John White Collection

Broken bone comb, proper right portion of head and two teeth remaining. Right side tooth is complete and the other is broken near the head. Head is squared off, with sawing marks on the proximal edge. Sawing and polishing marks visible on the front of the head, particularly where the head meets the teeth. Remaining tooth comes to a point at the distal end.

Broken comb made out of a split bone. Three of four teeth remaining, one has broken and been glued back together. The distal ends are cut straight and square. Head is squared off, with a sawing mark visible on the proximal edge.

Incomplete bone comb, five vertical cut marks at the distal end indicating unfinished teeth. One additional cut mark is complete. Another cut mark runs horizontally above the others. Reduced on one side, with a rounded, grooved projection. Shape is trapezoidal, tapering toward the distal end. Concave cross section.

Broken bone comb, one side edge of the head is broken off and teeth are all broken off at various points. Proximal end is rounded. There is a rounded projection on one side edge about halfway down the head. Eight teeth are broken off at the head; five additional teeth are more complete, but are also broken at the distal end.

Broken bone comb, head was previously broken in two pieces and glued back together; all ten teeth are broken off. Proximal edge is oblique, sides are straight with sawing marks evident on one side edge.

Broken bone comb. Previously broken in several pieces and glued back together; large part of head, centre portion, and various teeth are missing. Proximal end is rounded. A rounded projection on one side edge has broken off. 26 teeth, all broken at various points. Surface is in poor condition, possibly varnished and covered in glue, with pieces of index card attached to one side.

Broken bone comb, head remaining. Rounded at the proximal end. A carved head is projecting off one side edge; mouth, tongue, and eye are indicated. Remnants of about 25 teeth, with more likely, all broken off at the base of the head.

Broken bone comb, head remaining. Proximal end is rounded. One side edge has a knobbed projection, the proximal edge of which has serrations. There is a set of very small serrations below the projection on the side edge. Distal edge has evidence of many small broken teeth.

Broken bone comb, head remaining. Proximal end is rounded, with a slight projection on one side edge. Remnants of about 20 teeth, all broken near the base of the head.

Broken whalebone heru (comb). It is missing two teeth and a portion of the proper left side. The proper left side of the comb has been worn in, potentially to accomodate an ornamental feature which has broken off. The proper left lateral margin has notches from the break to the top of the teeth. Six teeth remain. There is a crack originating at the top of the comb, along with some chipping.

Broken bone comb, head remaining. Proximal edge is rounded, with a projection coming off one side. Projection is worn with two perforations, possibly indicating a bird or taniwha head. Large piece chipped off below projection. Other side edge is straight with a sawing mark. Evidence of 17 teeth, all broken close to the base of the head.

Complete adze Cross-section is triangular, with apex to front. Surface is flaked. Minor differentiation between butt and blade. Front reduced towards poll. Bevel and cutting edge only roughly finished. Bevel seems continuous with blade. Cutting edge sharp and curved.