pōvai. Club. Or Food pounder. It has not been determined whether this is a food pounder, used to pound mei (bread fruit) and other kinds of foods. Or whether it is a pōvai, used as a weapon by men and warriors for close contact combat. It is carved from a block of toa (iron wood) that is deep brown in colour, the handle is cylindrical in shape and then tapers out into a rounded top. The surface area is smooth and polished and shows signs of wear and tear.

27571 (ethnology)

Pacific