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 Cup. Height: 3 5/8 inches, Diameter of Bowl Mouth: 3 5/8 inches, Circumference: 16 inches, Edges: Smooth. Cup is missing and shaped chip at the rim.
Cultural Narrative:
Made from mature coconut shells and highly polished, ʻapu niu (coconut shell cups) that were cut lengthwise were used 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.