Ipu tau'ava

Ipu tau'ava. 'Ava serving cup. This ipu (cup) was made from a hollowed out popo (coconut shell). Generally used to serve 'ava (kava), during 'ava ceremonies, a smaller variety of coconut would have been used known as a niu tea. The ipu is a dark brown colour with a smooth, polished outer surface. In comparison, the inside of the cup has been left unpolished and is covered in vertical scratches achieved during its manufacture. The outer point of the cup has been carved to emphasize a thick spherical protrusion which is further carved with three notches as a decorative feature.