Name/Title
Fijian Kava BowlEntry/Object ID
MK_0337Description
A modern Fijian hardwood kava bowl, used to prepare a beverage made from the kava root.
Kava, known locally as yaqona, is a traditional Fijian drink with made from crushing kava root - a plant native to the south Pacific islands - into a powder, and straining it with water. It is a mildly narcotic and sedative drink used in ceremonies, welcoming guests and other important occasions.
The drink is served in Kava bowls such as this finely carved and smooth piece. While these bowls traditionally have four legs, they can range in size for larger ceremonies, as shown in this eight-legged artefact. As is traditional, two triangular panels suspend from the bottom rim of the bowl.
The simple but elegant piece invites viewers to connect with a local Fijian tradition that has endured through the years.
This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel, and was very recently restored.Made/Created
Place
Country
FijiContinent
OceaniaLocation
Floor
8th FloorBuilding
Main TowerArea
8th Floor AtriumFloor
8th FloorBuilding
Main TowerArea
8th Floor AtriumFloor
8th FloorBuilding
Main TowerRoom
Kamani RoomBuilding
HBR Main TowerArea
Beach Wing-to-Koi Pond BreezewayFloor
Lobby LevelBuilding
Main TowerFloor
8th FloorBuilding
Main Tower