South Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, ca. mid-20th to early 21st century CE. Signed by artist Dan DeLuz (1934-2012). A lovely round-bottomed vessel carved from finely grained milo wood known as an "umeke," (also "umeke la'au pakaka") a high-status bowl used for eating poi. The vessel has a slightly rounded base, wide walls with a sloped shoulder, and a thin rim overhanging the deep basin. The fine graining of the wood boasts rich hues of caramel, espresso, and chocolate brown, as well as a lustrous burnish. Hawaiian royalty often valued specific vessels - even going so far as to name them after royal individuals - and were reserved for elites in society until the early 19th century. Prior to the 19th century, vessels like this example were made from kou, milo, and kamani wood using stone and coral tools. A wonderful example from the Hawaiian Islands! Size: 9.5" in diameter x 5.5" H (24.1 cm x 14 cm)

Repaired umeke bowls like this one demonstrate signs of immense reverence - the umeke was loved enough to be repaired, and the repairs, like this one, were done with the desire to make the repair itself beautiful.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, acquired 1960 to 2000

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#166517

Signed "Dan DeLuz / Milo" on base. Collection label on base. Old repair to side that may have been part of original construction. Otherwise, excellent.