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North Pacific, Hawaii, ca. 19th century CE. A lovely cup or apu hand-carved from the shell of a hollow coconut. Boasting natural hues of rich espresso and mocha, the vessel presents a rounded body with an inward-curving rim, as well as a burnished exterior. Vessels like this were commonly used for serving a beverage made from the kava plant. This refreshing drink is popular in several islands of the Pacific including Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu. In Hawai’i, the kava root is crushed into a powder-like form and mixed in a larger bowl with water. Historically, kava, or ‘awa as it is known in Hawai’i was used for medicinal purposes, and it was served during religious rites and ceremonies. It is mentioned in prayers and chants collected in the 1800s where chiefs and priests used it as a token of hospitality, a drink for sociability, a token of rank and a drink of pleasure. Today, it can be served informally, although its most important use is still in chiefly meetings and ceremonies. Size: 4.5″ L x 4.8″ W x 3.5″ H (11.4 cm x 12.2 cm x 8.9 cm)
Please note this item may fall under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and may not be eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.
Condition: Some light scratches and abrasions to surface as shown, but otherwise intact and excellent with light patina. Modern felt pads on base for protection.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-antique shop in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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