Lot 229
North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, ca. late 19th century CE. A sizable and splendid poi pounder, hand-carved from basalt in mottled hues of ash gray, charcoal, and black. The fine implement displays a hemispherical handle and a lengthy, slender neck to increase the gripping ability of the wielder. The hefty pounding surface is circular in form and dramatically widens downwards from the tubular neck. The neck and handle are incredibly smooth from use, while the rough pounding surface is consistent with finely aged volcanic stone. Size: 4.375" Diameter x 6.375" H (11.1 cm x 16.2 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand.
Poi pounders, alongside adzes, were the most important stone tools in Polynesia and the Hawaiian Islands. The pounders, known locally as a "Ke'a Tuki Popoi," are used for pounding cooked taro root into poi, a staple of the islander diet. Taro root was steamed in an earthen oven, peeled using shells, and placed onto a slab of wood to be pounded. The pounded results were 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.
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.
#160875
- Condition: Expected abrasions and scratches, commensurate with age and use. Some minor areas of loss to pounding head. Otherwise, excellent.
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