Ko‘i

human history

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 trapezoidal shape, rectangular in cross-section. The blade reduces towards the poll with little differentiation. The front of the blade is relatively smooth in comparison to the poll which is flaked. The cutting edge is sharp with a sloping bevel. The ko‘i is grey-brown in colour.

Accession number: 1931.126 Last Update: 19 Nov 2025
Other Name

Adze (English)

Accession Number

1931.126

Accession Date

1931

Other Id

16316.6 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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7 Images
adze, 1931.126, 16316.6, Photographed by Denise Baynham, digital, 13 Apr 2018, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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