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Kumete

human history

Kumete. Bowl. Used for domestic purposes - food carrying and presentation. Carved from solid rakau (wood), possibly tamanu (mahogany). Egg shape with notch carved into narrowed end, acting as a spout. Four 'feet' carved into the base, allowing the kumete to stand upright. Dark brown in colour.

Last Update: 19 Aug 2026

Collection Area

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akm.collections.field_type_title_label

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Te reo Name

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Common Name

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Other Name

Bowl (English)

kumete roāroā (Cook Islands)

Other Name Type

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Description

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Place

Rarotonga/Cook Islands

Associated Place

Rarotonga/Cook Islands

Field Collection Place

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Field Collection Site

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Collection Date

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Field Collection Date

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Accession Number

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Accession Date

1899

Other Id

12308 (ethnology)

Other Id Type

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Department

Pacific

Display Room

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Restriction

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Type

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Enquire API view

Kumete, 12308, Photographed by Andrew Hales, digital, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply

Display location

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Credit Line

Collection of Auckland Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira, 12308

Public Access Text

Kumete Roāroā

Ko te kumete roāroā, e ta’anga’anga putuputu iāna no te ma’ani vaīrakau. Ko tōna vaēvaē potopoto, na te reīra e akatu i te kumete kiā kore e inga, ināra no te tu oki o teīa vaevae ka ngoie ua i te akatakataka i te kumete i te tuatau reru vairakau. Ko te au tuanga o te vairakau kare e inangaro ia, e akateke iana ki te tua kokota o te kumete, e ko te reru’anga e rave iana ki te tuā punupunu.

Ko te rakau putuputu e taangaanga iana no te maani kumete koia ko te Tamanu, toū, e te Miro

Reru (Pounder)

This basalt pounder is the most commonly used in Rarotonga. The shape and size of this pounder allows for good grip with fingers over the top preventing the grip from slipping but allowing for more force into the pounding.

Cultural Origin

Rarotongan

Collection

Cheeseman

Primary Maker

unknown (Maker)

Place

Rarotonga/Cook Islands

Date

Pre 1899

Associated Notes

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Associated Event

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Associated Person

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Associated Place

Rarotonga/Cook Islands

Associated Date

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Technique

carved

Period

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Signature/marks

12308 RAROTONGA (handwritten)

Media/Materials

wood/plant material

Measurement Description

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Measurement Reading

514.4mm

362mm

133.4mm

Physical Description

Kumete. Bowl. Carved from solid rakau (wood), possibly tamanu (mahogany). Egg shape with notch carved into narrowed end, acting as a spout. Four 'feet' carved into the base, allowing the kumete to stand upright. Dark brown in colour. Large crack at one side, opposite spout. Two dark brown spots in the kumete's interior. Good condition. "12308 RAROTONGA" is handwritten in white ink on bottom of kumete, in between two feet.

Subject Category

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Classification

Bowl, food

Food Service T&E

Tools & Equipment

Media/Materials Notes

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Style

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Web Address

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Last Update

19 Aug 2026

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