Material: Basalt
Date: 18th century
Measurements: Diameter 3 1/4"
Provenance: Private collection, Kailua Kona HI
The pōhaku pāʻani, or Hawaiian game ball, is a rare and fascinating artifact carved from dense basalt stone, dating to the 18th century. Spherical in form with a diameter of 3¼ inches, this compact and skillfully crafted object reflects the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Hawaiian artisans. Stone balls such as this were used in traditional Hawaiian games and recreational activities, serving as both sporting implements and symbols of communal gathering and play. Basalt, prized for its hardness and abundance across the volcanic Hawaiian Islands, was the material of choice for tools and objects requiring durability and weight. This particular example, originating from a private collection in Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaiʻi, represents a tangible connection to the daily social life and cultural traditions of the Hawaiian people long before Western contact.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand
Material: Basalt
Date: 18th century
Measurements: Diameter 3 1/4"
Provenance: Private collection, Kailua Kona HI
The pōhaku pāʻani, or Hawaiian game ball, is a rare and fascinating artifact carved from dense basalt stone, dating to the 18th century. Spherical in form with a diameter of 3¼ inches, this compact and skillfully crafted object reflects the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Hawaiian artisans. Stone balls such as this were used in traditional Hawaiian games and recreational activities, serving as both sporting implements and symbols of communal gathering and play. Basalt, prized for its hardness and abundance across the volcanic Hawaiian Islands, was the material of choice for tools and objects requiring durability and weight. This particular example, originating from a private collection in Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaiʻi, represents a tangible connection to the daily social life and cultural traditions of the Hawaiian people long before Western contact.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand
