19th C. Hawaiian Ohia Wood Poi Pounder & Mortar

**Originally Listed At $700**

North America, Hawaiian Islands, ca. 19th century CE. Finely carved and burnished from Ohia wood, a pestle and pedestaled mortar made for pounding taro root into poi. This pounder has a knob-shaped handle and a body which gradually widens towards a rounded face. Poi pounders were traditionally used for mashing cooked taro root into poi, a stable of the diet. Taro root was steamed in an earthen oven, peeled using shells, and then pounded. The resulting puree was then blended with water into a highly nutritious paste. A wonderful example made from Ohia, wood from a native Hawaiian tree (Metrosideros polymorpha) that has a high density and produces beautiful red Ohi'a lehua flowers. Size: 4.25" in diameter x 8.75" H (pounder placed in bowl) (10.8 cm x 22.2 cm)

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#145359
Condition Report: Age crack to pedestal base of mortar. Normal surface wear to pounder and mortar commensurate with age and use. Otherwise in excellent condition.