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 (basalt stone) into a rectangular form, trapezoidal in cross-section, with a raised shoulder before reducing towards the poll. The front of the blade is rectangular with a polished surface. The sides of the blade and the poll are left flaked. The profile is slightly curved. The cutting edge is sharp with a raised bevel. The ko‘i is dark in colour.