Hawaiian
18th to early 19th century
Basalt
Height: 7¼ in. (18.4 cm); Diameter: 5 in. (12.7 cm); Weight: 5.2 lbs.
Provenance: Private collection, Kailua Kona, Hawaiʻi
The pōhaku kuʻi ʻai, or poi pounder, was among the most essential tools in the Hawaiian household, used to pound steamed taro root (kalo) into poi on a flat stone board. Basalt was the preferred material for its density and workability, and the selection of suitable stone was itself a considered act. The form, which is a broad striking head tapering to a waist above a flat base , was refined over centuries of use into one of the most recognizable objects in Hawaiian material culture.
This example is carved from a dense, fine-grained basalt with a well-developed surface from long use. The waist is cleanly defined and sized to sit firmly in the hand, the head broad enough to deliver effective strikes across the pounding surface. At 5.2 pounds, the pounder carries substantial working weight. The Kailua Kona provenance places it within the historically significant Kona coast of Hawaiʻi Island.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Hawaiian
18th to early 19th century
Basalt
Height: 7¼ in. (18.4 cm); Diameter: 5 in. (12.7 cm); Weight: 5.2 lbs.
Provenance: Private collection, Kailua Kona, Hawaiʻi
The pōhaku kuʻi ʻai, or poi pounder, was among the most essential tools in the Hawaiian household, used to pound steamed taro root (kalo) into poi on a flat stone board. Basalt was the preferred material for its density and workability, and the selection of suitable stone was itself a considered act. The form, which is a broad striking head tapering to a waist above a flat base , was refined over centuries of use into one of the most recognizable objects in Hawaiian material culture.
This example is carved from a dense, fine-grained basalt with a well-developed surface from long use. The waist is cleanly defined and sized to sit firmly in the hand, the head broad enough to deliver effective strikes across the pounding surface. At 5.2 pounds, the pounder carries substantial working weight. The Kailua Kona provenance places it within the historically significant Kona coast of Hawaiʻi Island.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Image 1 of 5
Image 2 of 5
Image 3 of 5
Image 4 of 5
Image 5 of 5