Description:

North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, Pre-Contact period, ca. 14th to 18th century CE. This is a fabulous example of adze head that is made from a black basalt that was probably quarried from Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The stone flaked and heavily polished into a flared blade that is angled slightly downward from the rectangular butt end. Adzes were the perfect tool for cutting, smoothing, and carving wood. This adze head would have been attached to a bent wooden handle and used by swinging it in a downward cutting motion. Hawaiians sought basalt specifically because of its hardness and because it would hold an edge. The surface of this basalt is closed-grained and so highly polished it is silky to the touch and almost reflective! Size: 5.75" L x 1.75" W (14.6 cm x 4.4 cm)

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#160962

  • Condition: Old surface abrasions and chips to blade commensurate with age and use. Surface is heavily polished and smooth.

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February 24, 2022 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000