18th C. Hawaiian Basalt Poi Pounder
**Originally Listed At $300**
Polynesia, Hawaiian Islands, Maui, 18th century. A hefty and sizeable section of a pestle, hand-carved from porous black basalt, meant for pounding taro root into poi. The tool gradually widens from top to bottom, terminating in a broad pounding surface. Both the body and pounding face are smooth to the touch as a result of repeated use. Size: 4.875" W x 4.6" H (12.4 cm x 11.7 cm); 6.1" H (15.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Poi pounders, alongside adzes, were the most important stone tools in Hawaii (Europeans introduced steel weapons). Traditionally, they have been 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
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#142269
Condition Report: Original handle missing as shown. Nicks and light abrasions to shoulder and pounding face, with minor pitting. Light earthen deposits and smooth surfaces throughout.
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**Originally Listed At $300**
Polynesia, Hawaiian Islands, Maui, 18th century. A hefty and sizeable section of a pestle, hand-carved from porous black basalt, meant for pounding taro root into poi. The tool gradually widens from top to bottom, terminating in a broad pounding surface. Both the body and pounding face are smooth to the touch as a result of repeated use. Size: 4.875" W x 4.6" H (12.4 cm x 11.7 cm); 6.1" H (15.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Poi pounders, alongside adzes, were the most important stone tools in Hawaii (Europeans introduced steel weapons). Traditionally, they have been 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
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#142269
Condition Report: Original handle missing as shown. Nicks and light abrasions to shoulder and pounding face, with minor pitting. Light earthen deposits and smooth surfaces throughout.
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Time, Location
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