‘Ulumaika

human history

‘Ulumaika. Bowling stone. Ground and polished from pōhaku (stone) into a disk of thick depth, similar in look to a puck. The two surfaces are evenly convex and there is slight chipping along one edge. The ‘ulumaika stone is the same name as the game it was played. The game of ‘ulumaika was played on a kahua (prepared outdoor course) wherein two athletes threw their stone in a similar manner to bowling and the winner was determined by whose stone had been thrown the farthest along the kahua. This ‘ulumaika is off-white in colour with some orange marks.

Last Update: 14 Apr 2026
Other Name

ulumaika (Hawaiian)

Bowling stone (English)

Accession Date

1894

Other Id

11371 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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‘Ulumaika, 11371, Photographed by Denise Baynham, digital, 10 Mar 2018, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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