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