Ahu (Carved ceremonial Ceremonial Scoop)

Ahu. Carved ceremonial Ceremonial Scoop. This Ahu (scoop or Ceremonial Scoop) is carved from ra'au (hardwood) into a long slender cylindrical to'o (shaft) and a narrow bowl, deep and rounded at its base. Bands of fine geometric motifs are carved in light relief over all surfaces of the Ceremonial Scoop except the interior of the bowl. The to'o (shaft) flares towards the butt end of the Ahu, elaborately carved into seven stylised ti'i (ancestral human figures) in a concentric arrangement to form the sides of the butt. The flat surface of the butt itself is carved with a sun motif. The Ahu is dark brown in colour with a somewhat glossy patina.