Material: Basalt
Date: 18th century
Length: 4 1/2"
Width: 1 5/8"
Provenance: Private collection, Kailua Kona HI
The koʻi, or Hawaiian stone adze, is a masterfully crafted woodworking tool representing one of the most important implements in ancient Hawaiian material culture. Carved from dense, durable basalt, this example measures 4½ inches in length and 1⅝ inches in width, reflecting the skilled handwork of Hawaiian artisans. The koʻi features a distinctive four-sided design with a polished stone blade hafted horizontally and secured with traditional fiber lashing, along with a characteristic "drop tang" that provided greater efficiency and control during use. These versatile tools were absolutely essential to Hawaiian life, used for felling trees, detailed carving, and the construction of the great voyaging and fishing canoes that defined Polynesian civilization. Beyond their practical application, adzes held considerable cultural significance, as canoe building was considered a sacred undertaking in Hawaiian tradition. This fine example, from a private collection in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi, stands as a testament to the remarkable skill and ingenuity of ancient Hawaiian craftsmen.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand
Material: Basalt
Date: 18th century
Length: 4 1/2"
Width: 1 5/8"
Provenance: Private collection, Kailua Kona HI
The koʻi, or Hawaiian stone adze, is a masterfully crafted woodworking tool representing one of the most important implements in ancient Hawaiian material culture. Carved from dense, durable basalt, this example measures 4½ inches in length and 1⅝ inches in width, reflecting the skilled handwork of Hawaiian artisans. The koʻi features a distinctive four-sided design with a polished stone blade hafted horizontally and secured with traditional fiber lashing, along with a characteristic "drop tang" that provided greater efficiency and control during use. These versatile tools were absolutely essential to Hawaiian life, used for felling trees, detailed carving, and the construction of the great voyaging and fishing canoes that defined Polynesian civilization. Beyond their practical application, adzes held considerable cultural significance, as canoe building was considered a sacred undertaking in Hawaiian tradition. This fine example, from a private collection in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi, stands as a testament to the remarkable skill and ingenuity of ancient Hawaiian craftsmen.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand
Image 1 of 5
Image 2 of 5
Image 3 of 5
Image 4 of 5
Image 5 of 5