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 small ko‘i (adze) is presented in its complete form, worked from pōhaku (stone) into a long rectangular shape. It is also rectangular in cross-section. The blade reduces towards the poll with little differentiation apart from a slight shoulder. The front of the blade is smooth and polished while the sides and poll are left flaked. The cutting edge is sharp with a raised bevel. The ko‘i is dark in colour.