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 rectangular shape. It is trapezoidal in cross-section. The blade reduces towards the poll with little differentiation. The front of the blade, 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 in colour.