North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, Maui, Lahaina, Pre-Contact Period, ca. 16th to 18th century CE. A finely preserved poi pounder of a bell-shaped form pecked and polished from a dark gray and porous lava rock. This pounder has smooth surface from hours of use preparing medicine or food, the broad face pulverizing taro root into poi, a staple dish in Hawaiian and many Polynesian cultures. Taro root was steamed in an earthen oven, peeled using shells, and placed onto a slab of wood for grinding. The pounded taro was blended with water into a highly nutritious paste and served in bowls - an everyday and ceremonial meal! Poi pounders, alongside adzes, were the most important stone tools in Polynesia and the Hawaiian Islands. Size: 4.3" Diameter x 5.5" H (10.9 cm x 14 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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.

#177646

Minor nicks, pitting, and abrasions, otherwise intact and excellent. Great surface smoothness in most areas indicative of use, and nice stone color.