Coconut scraping stool (model)

item details

NameCoconut scraping stool (model)

Production1950 / 1970; Caroline Islands

Classificationstools, graters

Materialswood, shell (plant material), plant fibre

Techniqueswoodcarving

DimensionsOverall: 45mm (width), 67mm (height), 125mm (length)

Registration NumberFE013594

Credit lineGift of Victoria Corner, 2020

Overview

This is a small model coconut grating stool attributed to the Caroline Islands. It is carved from light coloured wood, the seat is concave and elliptical in shape and sits on a set of short thick legs. A grating blade made from pearl shell is lashed with coconut fibre cord to the neck of the stool.

A tool and collectible

To use a full-size grater, a person sitting on top of stool holds a half coconut shell upside down in their hands. They scrape or grate the inner shell against the serrated edge of the blade shaving off the coconut flesh inside which drops into a bowl below. The grated coconut flesh is then served or used in the preparation of other foods and dishes. The distinctive design and form of the coconut grating stools made them a popular collectible. Carvers made small portable models such as this one for tourist and souvenir markets.

Significance

This model coconut grating stool is significant for its association with Frank Corner, a New Zealand diplomat who worked in London as Deputy High Commissioner between 1952 and 1958 and later in the Pacific Islands. In 1961, Corner became New Zealand's Ambassador to the United Nations. He chaired the Trusteeship Council for two years, and served on the United Nations Security Council. Corner was the leading proponent of decolonisation of Pacific territories under New Zealand control, and provided the leading intellectual arguments in favour of decolonisation of Tokelau, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Western Samoa.

Acquisition History

This model coconut grating stool is part of a collection donated to Te Papa by Victoria Corner in 2018.