Description:

Oceania, French Polynesia, Marquesas Islands, Enata peoples, ca. 18th century CE. An intriguing and elegant poi pounder, hand-carved from dark gray basalt stone, used for repeatedly pounding taro root into poi. The tool is defined by a flat pounding face, wide shoulders, a smooth tapered profile, a thick tubular handle, and a bifurcated top knob. Both the handle and pounding face are relatively smooth to the touch as a result of repeated use. Size: 5" W x 7" H (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)

Poi pounders, alongside adzes, were the most important stone tools in Polynesia (Europeans introduced steel weapons). They 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 Hawaii, USA collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#177644

  • Condition: Minor abrasions and nicks commensurate with age and use, otherwise intact and excellent. Great surface smoothness throughout. Previous inventory label on pounding face.

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August 18, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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