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 a rough out form, worked from pōhaku (stone) into a long rectangular shape. It is also rectangular in cross-section. The blade reduces towards the poll with a prominent shoulder. The front of the blade is smooth and polished around the centre while chipped and flaked around the edges. The sides and poll are left flaked. The cutting edge is sharp though chipped at one corner, with a sloping bevel. The ko‘i is grey and rust-coloured.