Through time and across the world, humans have needed to smoothe and shape wood. The form of the tool that different human groups have developed has been similar across cultures. Not only does this give us an insight into the creativity of the human mind, it also allows archaeologists to use later examples of the tool to help them understand ancient ones and can give us information about how ancient peoples may have used the tools. Here are some more adzes from different periods and places.

Copper adze

Date: 1500 – 500 BC

From: Nihavand, Iran

Material: copper alloy

See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=367541&partId=1&searchText=adze&images=true&place=62088&page=1

Shell adze

Date: 20^th century AD

From: Solomon Islands

Material: shell

See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?assetId=947690&objectId=485460&partId=1

Iron adze

Date: 1^st century AD

From Roman London

Materials: iron, wood

See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/iron-adze-hammer/dQH-6_kk03M4xA

Bronze adze

Date: 1479 – 1425 BC

From Deir el-Bahari, Thebes, Egypt

Materials: bronze, wood, rawhide

See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/wooden-adze-with-bronze-blade/TwGVjbZZuHMlBA

Indonesian adze

Date: 20^th century AD

From: Indonesia

Materials: wood, iron, palm

See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=553039&partId=1&searchText=adze&images=true&page=1

Stone adze

Date: 19^th century AD

From: Vancouver Island, Canada

Material: stone

See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=536015&partId=1&searchText=adze&images=true&page=1