North Pacific, Hawaii, ca. 18th century CE. A massive, hand-carved wood poi platter displaying a rectangular form with rounded edges. Sitting upon 4 low, circular feet, the sizeable dish features thick wall that rise to a broad rim above a shallow, ovoid basin. Each corner is fit with an extending, tab-shaped handle that has been skillfully sculpted with a lovely textured pattern. Hawaii is renowned for its finely carved vessels, many of which are made of native hardwoods. Size: 37.1" L x 18.5" W x 3.4" H (94.2 cm x 47 cm x 8.6 cm)

Hawaiian wood dishes, such as this example, were used for serving and serving poi, salting and serving meat, and storing tapa cloth and feathers. It is possible that this dish would have been used at a luau feast, which takes its name from the Hawaiian word for the taro leaf that resembles roasted spinach once steamed for a few hours. The Hawaiian luau began in 1819 when King Kamehameha II removed the religious kapu (taboo) system that restricted women and commoners from eating delicacies and women from eating with men. To introduce the people to this new system, the king performed a symbolic act by inviting women to dine with him, thereby hosting the first luau. The luau feast is traditionally eaten by hand and served on floor mats decorated with large centerpieces made of ti leaves.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#135759

Losses to peripheries and surfaces of interior and base. Each shorter side has a fissure extending from it, each travelling about 1/4 way across the dish. Expected chips, nicks, abrasions, and old, inactive insect holes throughout, all commensurate with age and use. Nice patina throughout.