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 long trapezoidal shape. It is rectangular in cross-section and slightly curved in profile. The rectangular blade reduces towards the poll with little differentiation. The front of the blade is polished and the surfaces of the sides and poll are left flaked. The cutting edge is sharp with a sloping, polished bevel. The ko‘i is dark in colour.