rubbing tablet

Kupesi. Patterned rubbing board. This kupesi is rectangular in shape and is made up of six squares, three on top and three on the bottom which all have the same design (manulua?). The base is made from layers of kaka (coconut sheath) that have been cut to shape and sewn together along the edges with thread. Tu'aniu (coconut midrib) makes up the square patterns on the base and are sewn into place with the same thread. Usually pulu'i niu (coconut husk) is used to secure the kupesi together. This kupesi is varying shades of natural brown and is still intact and looks very much new. There is no indication that this kupesi has been used frequently.