North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, Maui, ca. 18th century CE. A hefty and sizeable pestle, hand-carved from porous grey 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: 2.8" in diameter x 4.7" H (7.1 cm x 11.9 cm); 6.2" H (15.7 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
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#161898
Condition
Expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with use. Otherwise, intact and excellent.