Tools Through Time Kaihapai Taonga/Curator Social and Natural History, Maeve Egan, with examples of Acheulean handaxes made from quartz-rich sandstone. Photo / Karen Hughes/Whanganui Regional Museum
Tools Through Time Kaihapai Taonga/Curator Social and Natural History, Maeve Egan, with examples of Acheulean handaxes made from quartz-rich sandstone. Photo / Karen Hughes/Whanganui Regional Museum
A new exhibition at Whanganui Regional Museum invites visitors to journey through time to explore the evolution of ancient stone tools.
The museum will exhibit the earliest known implements of the Lower Palaeolithic to the developing craftsmanship of the Neolithic era.
Utauta Taketake, Utauta Hōu/Tools Through Time showcases aselection of ancient stone tools originating from Denmark, Egypt, India, Somalia, Switzerland and beyond.
Many of these artefacts are being displayed publicly for the first time, offering a rare glimpse into how humanity’s earliest innovators shaped their world.
The exhibition examines how these tools were made, what they were used for, and why they have found a home in Whanganui.
It was opened with a special talk by Kaihāpai Taonga/curator Maeve Egan, delivered to members of the Museum Friends group and other supporters.
Museum Pou Ārahi/director Dr Bronwyn Labrum said the exhibition was part of the museum’s ongoing strategy to bring more of its rich collections into public view.
“This exhibition reveals extraordinary objects that connect us to the deep past.
“These tools were once vital to survival, and they speak to our shared human story.
“By putting more of our collection on display, we’re helping visitors understand not just how these objects were made, but why they still matter today.”
Egan said the exhibition invited people to reflect on humanity’s capacity for innovation and adaptation.
“Each of these tools tells a story of ingenuity, experimentation, and discovery.
“The exhibition celebrates the unique and fascinating properties of the tools and how their construction and use developed over time.”
Tools Through Time: Grooved axes from the Archaic period, about 9000-8000 BCE.
Photo / Karen Hughes / Whanganui Regional Museum
The exhibition is open now at Whanganui Regional Museum.
Admission is free, with koha (donations) accepted to support the museum’s ongoing work.
Exhibition details
Utauta Taketake, Utauta Hōu/Tools Through Time
Whanganui Regional Museum, Pukenamu Queen’s Park, Watt Street
