Artifact Number:
 05007

Object:
Pounder
palaoa kui

Material:
 Ivory (elephant)

Dimensions:
 10.2 x 15.25 cm

Origin:
 Hawaii, Polynesia

Comments:
 Palaoa kui. This elephant ivory medicine pounder once belonged to Kamehameha I. It was used to pound the herbs used in medicine. The Hawaiians of old had a belief that ivory had the power of imparting strength to the herbs which came in contact with it. Purchased from estate auctions of Kanaina and Lunalilo by Hawaii National Museum.

This object is associated with Kamehameha I

Collection Name: Hawaiian National Museum Collection

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BERNICE PAUAHI BISHOP MUSEUM
The State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
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