Ko‘i

human history

Ko‘i. Stone adze, broken. 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 in a broken rough-out form, consisting of the poll. It is worked from basalt (stone) and is triangular in cross-section with flaked surfaces. There is a drilled perforation through the middle of the poll. This broken ko‘i is reddish grey in colour.

Accession number: 1981.54 Last Update: 19 Nov 2025
Other Name

Adze (English)

Accession Number

1981.54

Accession Date

12 Feb 1981

Other Id

49077 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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6 Images
Adze, 1981.54, 49077, Photographed by Denise Baynham, digital, 11 Apr 2018, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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