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North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, ca. 19th century CE. A massive platter carved from a single piece of wood into a ovoid shape for serving poi, enough for a feast. The smoothly carved surface boasts a lovely patina from years of use, showcasing a beautiful natural woodgrain. Hawaii is renowned for its finely carved vessels, many of which are made of native hardwoods. In traditional Hawaiian culture, cooked taro root was pounded into poi, a staple of their diet. Taro root was steamed in an earthen oven, peeled using shells, and placed onto a slab of wood like this one to be pounded. The pounded results were blended with water to form a highly nutritious paste. It is possible that this dish would have been used at a luau feast, which takes its name from the Hawaiian word for the taro leaf. Size: 35.25" L x 22" W x 5" H (89.5 cm x 55.9 cm x 12.7 cm); 42" H (106.7 cm) on included custom stand.

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Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#177425

Repairs to fissures and gouges with modern infill. Two large fissures with infill radiating across interior. Old inactive insect bore holes and minor chips. Beautiful patina throughout.