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 basalt (stone) into a long trapezoidal shape. It is also trapezoidal in cross-section. The blade reduces towards the poll with little differentiation apart from a raised shoulder. The front of the blade is smooth and polished while the sides and the poll are left flaked. The cutting edge is sharp with a curved, sloping bevel. The ko‘i is dark grey in colour.