North Pacific, Hawaii, ca. 19th to 20th century CE. A stunning wood bowl known as an 'umeke la'au, hand-turned from beautiful natural wood grain boasting swirling hues of caramel and butterscotch with a sienna-colored interior. Presenting a lustrous, polished exterior, the vessel features thick walls that swell outward to a rounded body ending with a slender, annular rim, all sitting upon a flattened base. Umeke vessels like this one were highly valued by Hawaiian royalty - 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: 7.3" Diameter x 4.8" H (18.5 cm x 12.2 cm)

Please note this item may fall under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and may not be eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-Kula, Maui, Hawaii, USA collection

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#184544

Some minor nicks, abrasions, and scratches to surface as shown with a small, stable, hairline pressure fissure to base. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lustrous burnish and nice preservation of wood grain.