Ko‘i

Ko‘i. Stone adze. Adzes were invaluable tools for Moana Pacific societies prior to the introduction of European tools and materials. They were made in a variety of sizes and shapes according to their required use. This ko‘i (adze) is presented in its complete form, worked from pōhaku (stone) into a rectangular shape, trapezoidal in cross-section. The blade has a raised shoulder and reduces towards the poll. The front of the blade is rectangular with a polished surface. The sides of the blade and the poll are left pecked. A raised knob is visible on the poll. The cutting edge is chipped with a sloping bevel. The ko‘i is grey in colour.