Society Islands, French Polynesia; Maupiti attribution
18th century
Black basalt, compact, from Maupiti, Society Islands
Height: 6¼ in. (15.9 cm)
Provenance: Gary Seering, Aiea, Hawaiʻi
The penu is a stone pounder used across the Society Islands to process breadfruit and taro into mahi, a fermented paste comparable to Hawaiian poi. Pounders of this type are generally classified into forked-top, cross-bar, and faceted-top forms. This example belongs to the cross-bar type, a form associated with Maupiti in the Society Islands group.
The piece is ground from dense black basalt, a compact stone recognized for its dark tone and durability. The cross-bar top provides a secure handhold, while the waisted body tapers to a broad base suited to repeated pounding work. The surface is evenly finished, preserving the restrained form and functional clarity characteristic of Society Islands stone pounders.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Society Islands, French Polynesia; Maupiti attribution
18th century
Black basalt, compact, from Maupiti, Society Islands
Height: 6¼ in. (15.9 cm)
Provenance: Gary Seering, Aiea, Hawaiʻi
The penu is a stone pounder used across the Society Islands to process breadfruit and taro into mahi, a fermented paste comparable to Hawaiian poi. Pounders of this type are generally classified into forked-top, cross-bar, and faceted-top forms. This example belongs to the cross-bar type, a form associated with Maupiti in the Society Islands group.
The piece is ground from dense black basalt, a compact stone recognized for its dark tone and durability. The cross-bar top provides a secure handhold, while the waisted body tapers to a broad base suited to repeated pounding work. The surface is evenly finished, preserving the restrained form and functional clarity characteristic of Society Islands stone pounders.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
