North Pacific, Hawaii, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. A very rare type of coral pounder from the Hawaiian Islands, this hefty pestle, intended for pounding taro root into poi, is finely carved from a single piece of white sea coral. Its form is comprised of a rounded handle and a tubular neck that broadens to a generous pounding surface. Interestingly, in the Coral Atolls there is no stone, so the only hard material available to the Kanakas is coral which makes for fabulous poi pounders. Note how the natural textures and patterns of the coral are utterly mesmerizing. Size: 3.125" W x 4.625" H (7.9 cm x 11.7 cm); 6.25" H (15.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Poi pounders, alongside adzes, were one of the most important tools in Hawaiian culture. They were traditionally used for pounding cooked taro root into poi, a stable of the 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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#160889

Wear on surface commensurate with age and use, including some abrasions and slight losses. Overall in great condition with nice earthen deposits.