Artifact Number:
04098
Object:
POUNDER
Pohaku Kui Poi
Material:
Stone
Dimensions:
H: 12.9 cm
Origin:
Hawaii, Polynesia
Comments:
Knobbed Poi Pounders. Common knobbed poi pounder. Height: overall 12.9 cm; knob 3.4 cm. Diameter: knob 5.2 cm; neck 4.2 cm; base 9.7 cm. Weight 0.99 g. Short and squat; cylindrical-type probably used for pounding poi in secret, pohaku kui poi malu. 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. Figure 6. (Summers)
Collection Name: J.S. Emerson Collection
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