ʻApu niu (coconut shell cup)

Summary: 
Coconut shell cups were mainly used to consume ʻAwa. In more modern times used as individual serving bowls for poi.
Description: 

Hawaiian Coconut Utensil. Height: 5 1/2 inches, Diameter of Bowl Mouth: 4 inches, Circumference: 14 3/4 inches, Edges: Smooth. This item could have been used as a cup. The construction is quite crude on this item. Item 367 is the cover for this cup.

Cultural Narrative: 

Made from mature coconut shells and highly polished, ʻapu niu (coconut shell cups) that were cut lengthwise were used to consume ‘awa by those of aliʻi rank or by kahuna.  Apart from drinking ʻawa, there was little use for drinking cups (Buck, 1957).  In more modern times the ʻapu were used as a small, individual bowl for eating poi.  Modern 'apu niu may appear to have been carved in design and a have a stand.