Kana-'akari (coconut grating stool)

Kana-akari (coconut grating stools) like this one are used to scrape the flesh from the shells of mature coconuts (akari) that have been husked and split in half. Kana-akari of various forms are still used today and are an essential tool in the daily preparation of food in the Cook Islands.

Details

This kana-akari comprises of a curved seat with four legs and an arm projecting from one end - all fashioned from one piece of wood. The legs are sturdy and rectangular in section. However, this kana-akiri does not appear to have been used. There is no evidence that a grating element, such as a piece of serrated metal, shell or coral, was ever lashed to the projecting arm.