North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, Ni'ihau Island, ca. late 18th to 19th century CE. A rare example of a desiccated and hollowed-out gourd used for storing and transporting drinking water (known as an ipu). The convenient bottle-form gourd shape enabled the vessel to be easily plugged, and a cord of twisted sennet fibers allows the canteen to be held or suspended with ease. The exterior surfaces are covered with dark red pigment that was brighter when first applied. Size: 5.6" W x 9" H (14.2 cm x 22.9 cm)

Cf. The British Museum, museum number Oc,VAN.299

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010; ex-Leo Fortress Collection, Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii, USA

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#179864

Minor abrasions and small nicks to exterior surfaces, with chipping to spout rim, darkening to surface pigment, and a few fissures around rim, otherwise in excellent condition. Great preservation to fragile form. Previous inventory label beneath base.