Lā'au lomi

human history

Lā'au lomi. Massage stick. This is a hand held carved massager. It is made of koa (Acacia koa) wood, a native specie to Hawai'i. Light in weight and dark brown in colour. Its surface is made up of continuous knicks made from ko'i (adze tool) and prior sprout forms. Its entirety is shaped like a large hook. Its raw form would have been sourced specifically for its natural hook-shape. The cylindrical base would be held with two hands and the spatulate tip would be placed over the should or sides to apply pressure.

Last Update: 6 Jul 2026
Other Name

laau lomilomi kua (Hawaiian)

Massage stick (English)

Place
Hawaii/United States of America
Accession Date

1894

Other Id

11367 (ethnology)

1169 (Bishop Museum)

Department

Pacific

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8 Images
stick, massage, 11367, 1169, Photographed by Denise Baynham, digital, 18 Apr 2018, Cultural Permissions Apply
stick, massage, 11367, 1169, Photographed by Denise Baynham, digital, 18 Apr 2018, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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