North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A hefty stone adze head or chopping tool with an elongated profile. The butt end is quite thick with a flat face which could certainly be used as a hammer or pounding head, and the head tapers to a curved blade. This tool or could be hafted onto a handle like an axe for some serious leverage to chop wood to shape canoes. Adzes are called "ko'i" in Polynesia, and it seems they were traded widely; indeed, adzes from Hawaii have been found thousands of miles away in what is now French Polynesia, demonstrating the incredible skill of Polynesian navigators. Size: 5.5" L x 2" W (14 cm x 5.1 cm)
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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#160969
Condition
Label on one side that reads, "ANCIENT HAWAIIAN ADZE FOUND AT / A0315 06220714. / GROVE FARM SUGARMILL IN KOLOA, KAUAI." Light abrasions, commensurate with use. Otherwise, intact and excellent.