I kept my family’s Hawaiian cooking tool for years – I was stunned when Antiques Roadshow said type makes its worth $17k
By Amanda Castro,
23 days ago
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
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.