Description:

Micronesia, Chuuk (also Truk) Island, 19th century CE. Finely carved from a piece of white sea coral, a pounder of an elegant form, intended for pulverizing edible roots and fruits, primarily breadfruit and taro root into poi. Its form is comprised of a flat handle and a tubular neck that broadens to a generous pounding surface. Note the nice smooth areas from use on this example. The pounded substance was then blended with water into a highly nutritious paste. Traditional calabash bowls were used as containers to hold poi mixtures, and traveling royalty were accompanied by their own poi maker, with his or her own poi-making implements like this one. Size: 4.5" diameter x 6.375" H (11.4 cm x 16.2 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Tad Dale collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 1960 to 2000

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#154555

  • Condition: Chips and minute nicks to peripheries presumably from use and wear. Scattered deposits grace the surface. Old inventory label on pounding surface.

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November 5, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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