Description

Here is a rare Hawaiian Olopua bowl, it measures about 2 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches tall. The price is $50. and shipping is included with that price. This miniature bowl is expertly crafted and is a generational keepsake. Start collecting different woods in the form of Bowls, I offer miniature bowls made from over 57 different woods from Hawaii and around the world.

The Hawaiian Olopua tree, also known as Hawaii olive or by its botanical name Nestegis sandwicensis, is an endemic Hawaiian tree prized for its durable, hard wood used by early Hawaiians to make spears, adze handles, and a preferred, hot-burning fuelwood. This slow-growing tree, a member of the olive family (Oleaceae), can grow up to 50 feet tall and produces small, dark purple fruits that are not edible. Found on all major islands, it thrives in various coastal and dry forest environments.

Traditional Hawaiian Uses—Wood: The hard, durable, and fine-textured wood was used to craft weapons, including spears (ihe) and daggers (pahoa).

Tools: It was also used for agricultural tools, such as digging sticks (‘ō’ō) and adze handles (‘au ko’i).

Firewood: Olopua was a preferred fuel because it burned with a hot flame, even when green.

Fishing: The wood was utilized in making fishing lures (la’au melomelo).