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Ipu tau'ava

human history
  • Other Name

    'Ava serving cup (English)

  • Description

    Ipu tau'ava. 'Ava serving cup. This ipu (cup) is made from a hollowed out popo (coconut shell). Generally used to serve 'ava (kava) during 'ava ceremonies, a smaller variety of coconut was sought out known as the niu tea. The outer surface of the ipu is very rough with remnants of pulu (coconut husk) still evident. This is further enhanced by the vertical scratches that mark the ipu which would have been achieved during its manufacture.

    In comparison, the inner surface of the ipu is completely smooth with no evidence of its manufacture. The underside of the ipu has been carved to emphasize three natural grooves of the popo. These grooves then meet in the centre of the ipu to create a three point star. Unfortunately the ipu has been damaged and the broken piece has been glued back in place. However the crack is not completely filled and therefore cannot be used for it's original purpose again.

  • Place
    Samoa/Pacific
  • Accession Date
    1878
  • Other Id

    11766 (ethnology)

  • Department

    Pacific

cup, kava, 11766, Cultural Permissions Apply

Images and documents

Images

  • cup, kava, 11766, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • cup, kava, 11766, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • cup, kava, 11766, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • cup, kava, 11766, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • cup, kava, 11766, Cultural Permissions Apply
  • cup, kava, 11766, Cultural Permissions Apply

Artefact

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