Vintage Hawaiian Musical Poi Pounder Music Box

This unique Hawaiian-themed item is a 'Musical Poi Pounder,' a revolving music box designed to resemble a traditional stone poi pounder used in Hawaiian food preparation. The piece is constructed primarily from lathe-turned wood with a warm, golden-brown honey finish. It consists of two main parts: a flared, ergonomic pylon-shaped handle (the poi pounder) and a tiered cylindrical base which houses the musical movement. The lower base features a decorative band with a dark brown graphic pattern depicting stylized oceanic and Polynesian taro-inspired motifs. A key identifying feature is the original paper label adhered to the middle tier, which reads 'MUSICAL POI POUNDER / A REVOLVING MUSIC BOX' and specifies the song it plays as the classic Hawaiian tune 'Pearly Shells.' Estimating its age, the typography and construction style suggest a mid-20th-century origin, likely from the 1960s or 1970s, during the heights of the Tiki culture movement and Hawaiian tourism boom. In terms of condition, there is visible wear to the finish on the rounded top of the handle, showing lightening of the wood and loss of polish. The paper label is yellowed with age and shows some peeling and edge wear, while the base also exhibits minor scuffs consistent with its age as a souvenir or decorative collectible. The craftsmanship is typical of high-quality mid-century tourist ware, utilizing smooth turning and applied lithographic elements for the decorative base.