18th C. Hawaiian Stone Poi Pounder
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Description
North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A hefty and sizeable pestle, hand-carved from beige stone, used for repeatedly pounding taro root into poi. The tool has a flattened pounding face, wide shoulders with a smooth tapered profile, a thick tubular handle, and a rounded, knob-shaped grip. Some pitting on the center of the pounding face suggests that this pestle was used for some vigorous pounding! Size: 4.375" W x 6.5" H (11.1 cm x 16.5 cm)
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
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#161994
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
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#161994
Condition
Chips, nicks, and surface abrasions across all areas. Abrasion and surface loss to handle as shown. Pitting on pounding face as expected with use.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
18th C. Hawaiian Stone Poi Pounder
Estimate $1,000 - $1,500
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