An ancient and beautiful umeke la'au or pakaka food bowl, carved from Kou or Koa wood (acacia koa), a species endemic to Hawaii with a very characteristic grain veining. Hawaiian Islands Wood, old crack, small trace of burning, very nice patina of use, old collection number 2599 D. 35,5 cm / H. 16 cm Provenance : - Reverend C. G. Williamson in Hawaii between 1866-1870 - Acquired by James Hooper from the Leeds Literary and Philosophical Society. - James Hooper Collection, No. 273. - Christie's sale, London, June 21, 1977, Hawaiian and Maori Art from the James Hooper Collection, lot no. 178, reproduced p. 53. - Merton Simpson, New York. - Nadine Vinot-Postry Collection, Paris.