A COLLECTION of 19th-century Hawaiian artifacts, passed down through generations, stunned a man when appraised on Antiques Roadshow.
These cherished artifacts, used in a central part of Hawaiian cuisine, were discovered to be far more valuable than expected at $17,600 in total.
The antique poi pounders originally belonged to the guest of the show’s great-great-grand-uncle, who likely used them for various culinary purposes.
Poi, made from taro root, is a staple in Hawaiian culture.
These pounders were used to crush and soften ingredients.
However, some pieces in the collection might have been used for other tasks, such as softening meat or making condiments like ‘inamona, made from crushed kukui nuts.
JUST ARTIFACT THINGS
One particular piece, though technically not a poi pounder, is a late 19th-century masher that shows significant wear from natural erosion and use.
The appraiser noted the abraded exterior, likely the result of water exposure over time.
Another poi pounder, described as perfectly proportioned, was likely crafted for the elite.
This featured a mushroom-shaped top that highlighted its aesthetic and cultural importance.
When asked if they knew the value, the man said that his mother estimated around $1,000, having seen a similar appraisal years prior.
MORE THAN EXPECTED
However, the expert provided a more detailed evaluation.
The “found” piece, common in form, was valued between $400 and $600.
The remaining pounders, one valued at $4,000 to $5,000 and another at $3,000 to $4,000.
This collectively brought the appraisal between $13,400 and $17,600.
The most stunning piece was the final poi pounder, an exquisitely crafted stone valued at a conservative $6,000 to $8,000 on the retail market.
Antiques Roadshow best finds
Antiques Roadshow has helped people put a price on their treasures since 1979. Here are some of the most interesting finds
- A hand-me-down ring that had been in the family for generations was valued at $595,000
- A silver coin found on a farm is worth $30,000
- A Rolex that cost just $120 is now worth $45,000
- The portrait of a woman’s mother at four years old and its frame was worth $32,000
- A book of hymns that was kept in a basement was worth $50,000
- A rare sculpture bought at a flea market in 1961 was worth $100,000
- An antique floor lamp from an estate sale was worth $15,000
- A mobile from the 1940s was worth a whopping $2 million
- A tablecloth drawn on by a baseball legend was worth $1,500
- A Picasso plate that hung above an oven was worth $15,000
The man, surprised by the valuation, admitted the pounders had been stored away for years.
“It was all in a closet,” he said laughingly.
“And probably it’ll get wrapped up and go right back into a closet.”
There have been other shock appraisals on Antiques Roadshow, many of which The U.S. Sun has covered extensively.
One such case is of a woman who was told a hand-me-down painting was worth $20,000.
Another guest on the show was given the news that a World War II handkerchief from her dad was actually worth $10,000.
