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Discoidal (‘ulu maika), 19th Century Hawaii, Polynesia Composite limestone; 3 × 1 1/4 in. 20…
Discoidal (‘ulu maika)
Discoidal (‘ulu maika), 19th Century Hawaii, Polynesia Composite limestone; 3 × 1 1/4 in. 20…
Discoidal (‘ulu maika), 19th Century Hawaii, Polynesia Composite limestone; 3 × 1 1/4 in. 2014.7.1 Gift of Mark and Carolyn Blackburn

Discoidal (‘ulu maika)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-sporting equipment-game stones
Datepossibly 19th Century
Made AtHawaii, United States
MediumComposite limestone
Dimensions3 × 3 × 1 1/2 in., 14.07 oz. (7.6 × 7.6 × 3.8 cm, 0.399 kg.)
Credit LineGift of Mark and Carolyn Blackburn
Object number2014.7.1
DescriptionRound game stones were used as critical pieces in one of the most popular sports in historic Hawai'i. Standard scoring involved tossing this stone between two sticks placed in the ground. The stones would be thrown at a distance of approximately 30 to 40 yards on elaborate fields. While there were several criteria that determined a winner, the basic objective was to avoid hitting the two sticks. Historically, women were not allowed to participate in the game; however, men of all levels of the social strata could participate. Men would also hurl these stones in competitions of strength. After the stones were used, they were oiled and wrapped in barkcloth for safekeeping.
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