Polynesian Adze

An extremely rare and interesting Polynesian adze. The shape of the basalt blade along with the binding and the flared butt would indicate an origin around the Society Islands. There is a native repair to the shaft which has been executed using sennit and splinting which you can see under the wrapping. It has been suggested that this may be a Hawaiian? known as a swivel adze for carving the interiors of canoes and bowls etc. Probably early 19th century.

52cm long.