North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, Maui, Lahaina, Pre-Contact Period, ca. 16th to 18th century CE. A rare example of a hand-carved stone bowl known as a sorcerer's bowl, or kapuahikuni ana' an'a. The hemispherical vessel exhibits a round but stable base, gradually swelling walls that terminate with an acutely angled rim, a gently convex shoulder, and a drilled-out receptacle in the center. Sorcerer bowls like this example were traditionally used by priests or sorcerers known as "kahuna ana' an'a" in a ceremony known as 'praying to death,' or "pule ana' an'a." The priest would collect hair, saliva, nail clippings, and other items from their victim to harness or corrupt their mystical power, or mana. Though the intent was to end the life of the intended target, the victim could seek the guidance and benevolent powers from a healing kahuna to rid themselves of their malevolent hex. Size: 3.375" W x 2" H (8.6 cm x 5.1 cm)

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010

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#167392

Loss to one side of rim and body as shown. Minor nicks and abrasions to base, body, shoulder, and receptacle rim, and darkening to scattered areas of stone surface. Nice surface smoothness throughout. Old inventory label beneath base.