Polynesian carved natural stone pestle, antique folk art, 19th century, No. 1

  
Pilon and tuki, volcanic rock, late 19th century. A pilon, or tuki, called poï-poï, is used to crush roots or fruits and obtain the paste that serves as the base for Polynesian dishes. It is also used to grind the pulp of the breadfruit tree to prepare medicines. The pestle is made of basalt, a volcanic rock. Weight: approximately 14.240 kg.