Hawaiian Wood Calabash-Umeke-Polynesian Art-Oceanic Art
Here is a very old and elegant Hawaiian wood calabash, umeke, from the Alexander Brody Estate. The bowl is made from Kou wood with irregular white wood patches, has thin sides that are un-lathed of varying thickness and rounded edges. At the bottom are the zigzag “kepakepa” repairs. The rich orange/brown color and grain on this old bowl are magnificent. The piece is 7 ¾” (19.5 cm) in height and 9” (22.8 cm) in width. I would like to thank both David Young and Scott Hare for their expertise on the wood species and type of old repairs.