A very fine small pounder, or penu, used for making potions or colors. The finial is carved as twin adorsed heads – possible animals. Tahiti Island, Society Islands, Polynesia. Dense fine grained Basalt. 11.6 cm. x 7 cm Ø. 18th century or earlier.

Ref. : Rosenthal, David: LES PILONS DES ILES DU PACIFIC in TRIBAL ARTS, LE MONDE DE L'ART TRIBAL. N° 11, Année III, Automne-Hiver 1996.