Description:

North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A massive salt pan or bowl known as a "poho pa'akai" skillfully hand-carved from basalt, a porous lava rock. The vessel features a flat base, thick walls, and a shallow, rounded basin shaped by pecking with hardstone tools. These vessels were made to harvest salt, by smearing the interior with a lime paste to create a watertight surface for the seawater to evaporate from. Salt was not only valuable for preserving and flavoring food, but often mixed with red 'alaea clay to add a spiritual power to use in traditional ceremonies and healing. Size: 13" Diameter x 6" H (33 cm x 15.2 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#148508

  • Condition: Minor age and use abrasions, otherwise intact and excellent. Mineral and earthen encrustations.

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July 14, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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