North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, ca. 18th to 19th century. A hand-carved volcanic stone mortar of grey hue with remains of red soil within the basin. The ovoid vessel features a relatively flat base, thick walls, and a recessed basin into which plant matter was placed for grinding into foodstuffs or medicinal ingredients. The course surfaces within the basin indicate that this mortar was perhaps ceremonial in nature and was not meant for utilitarian practices.
Size: 13.5" long x 9.5" wide x 4.2" high.
Provenance, private Newport Beach, CA collection
