Alii Woods Monkey Pod Vessel
Decorative art, specifically a carved wooden vessel or bowl with handle • Alii Woods (Honolulu), manufactured in the Philippines for the Hawaiian tourist market
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern (MCM) / Polynesian Pop (Tiki Culture)
Medium & Technique
Hand-carved and lathe-turned Monkey Pod wood (Samanea saman) with a polished wax or lacquer finish
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, circa 1950s–1970s
Dimensions & Format
Circular base, approximately 3-5 inches in diameter; portable decorative format
Subject Description
A utilitarian decorative object featuring the rich, variegated grain patterns of monkey pod wood. The base reflects a transition of Hawaiian craftsmanship where production moved to the Philippines following high demand.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the wood maintains its structural integrity and the original foil labels remain intact
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $65 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $45 USD
Provenance History
Original retail label from 'Alii Woods (Honolulu)'; secondary 'Made in Philippines' label suggests export history for the Hawaiian tourism industry
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the Tiki movement and the commercialization of Pacific Islander aesthetics in post-WWII America. It marks the shift in manufacturing from local Hawaiian workshops to Philippine production to meet global demand.
Notable Features
Includes two original foil labels: the Alii Woods Tiki-logo label and the 'Made in Philippines' import sticker, which are vital for authenticating its era and economic history
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions on the bottom rim, slight fading of the gold foil label, and natural age-related drying of the wood grain
Conservation Recommendations
Apply a food-safe mineral oil or high-quality beeswax to prevent cracking; avoid direct sunlight and extreme humidity fluctuations