#55 • Hawaiian Poho ku'i Palm Stone Bait Mortar Bowl

Part of Professor’s Collection Part One: Pacific & Pre-Columbian Artifacts (live auction by Blue Box Auction Gallery)

High bid $85.00

Status: Sold

Estimated Value: $150-400 Origin: Hawaiian, 18th-19th Century Dimensions: 10x7in Condition: No visible signs of damage Additional Information: Hawaiian Poho ku'i Palm lava stone bait mortar bowl with organic wave carvings. The mortar was used by fisherman to grind up palu bait consisting of octopus, squid ink, or sepia. The fish or ink sac was placed in leaves and roasted on coals. Then a secret ingredient was added to the mortar that attracted fish as well as the roasted bait and worked into a paste and adding salt. The bait was last applied to the end of a hook and used for fishing.