Society Islands
18th century
Height 6 1/4"
Provenance: Gary Seering, Aiea, HI
Made of black compact basalt from Maupiti, Society Islands.
Pounders are of three types: with forked top, with cross-bar and with faceted top. This belongs to the cross-bar type which is the classical Maupiti form.
These pounders were used to make a paste from the pulp of fruits and edible roots, mainly bread-fruit and taro, by crushing them on a stone or wooden surface; this was generally a plateau, often on four feet, a papahia or 'umete.
This mash was fermented and called by the Tahitians mahi, though it is generally known as poi which is the Hawaiian term. A fine example.
Society Islands
18th century
Height 6 1/4"
Provenance: Gary Seering, Aiea, HI
Made of black compact basalt from Maupiti, Society Islands.
Pounders are of three types: with forked top, with cross-bar and with faceted top. This belongs to the cross-bar type which is the classical Maupiti form.
These pounders were used to make a paste from the pulp of fruits and edible roots, mainly bread-fruit and taro, by crushing them on a stone or wooden surface; this was generally a plateau, often on four feet, a papahia or 'umete.
This mash was fermented and called by the Tahitians mahi, though it is generally known as poi which is the Hawaiian term. A fine example.
