Artifact Number:
01259
Object:
POUNDER
Poho Kui Poi, Papa Kui Poi
Material:
Stone (basalt)
Dimensions:
31.8 x 21.6 cm
Origin:
Hawaii (Big Island), Hawaii, Polynesia
Comments:
Poi Pounding Stone and Board. Poho Kui Poi presnted to Emerson by Reverend J.M. Alexander in Kailua, Hawaii in June 1885. He bought it from a native _ _. It was formerly used for pounding poi upon in secret. In olden times, when the power of the chiefs were supreme, the common people had no rights, giving full respect to the chiefs. In time of famine the chief disposed to rob his people of what little food they might have. To prevent this robbery the poor man resorted to deception, and feigned extreme poverty. At such times he would secretly pound his poi on a stone placed upon the mats in his house, using every precaution to make as little noise as possible. Since the power of the chiefs have passed away, there has been no need for further secrecy. (Emerson) A porous, shallow stone rough on the bottom and slightly worn on top. It seems not to have been worked. Maximum length 31.8 cm; maximum width 21.6 cm; height 3.8 to 6.4 cm. Illustrated in Birgham (1902: figure 49). No Figure. (Summers)
Collection Name: J.S. Emerson Collection
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