North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, Pre-Contact Period, ca. 18th century CE or earlier. A hand-carved volcanic stone adze blade sharpener in the shape of an oblong tablet with pleasantly smooth surfaces on both sides indicative of use. Stone adze blades were invaluable tools to ancient Polynesians and, when attached to wooden handles, could perform a myriad of utilitarian tasks. Over time the wear to the once-sharp blade edges made regular tasks more difficult, so sharpening surfaces like this one enabled one blade to be reused multiple times. Size: 13.25" L x 10.875" W (33.7 cm x 27.6 cm); 12.4" H (31.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection
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#148502
Condition
Small nicks and chips to peripheries not commensurate with age or use, with some coarse surfaces typical of stone type. Smooth surfaces in areas of both obverse and verso. Old inventory number on verso.