North Pacific, Hawaii, ca. 19th century CE. A sizable and splendid poi pounder, hand-carved from basalt in mottled hues of ash grey and white. The fine implement displays a flat handle and a conical neck to increase the gripping ability of the wielder. The hefty pounding surface is circular in form with a convex face and gradually widens downwards from the narrow handle. Size: 5.1" in diameter x 8.625" H (13 cm x 21.9 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
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#160882
Condition
Some minor nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, intact and excellent.