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Hawaiian style piece, feedback please

Joined
May 4, 2010
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Location
Bozeman, MT
I recently discovered some pheasantwood that some friends had sent back from a trip they took to Hawaii. I would like to make them something from it and when I processed it, the shape of the blank and the cracking dictated spindle blanks. I would like to make a covered umeke, maybe a puahala, if I understand the definitions correctly. In order to knock off the rust from not turning much for a while and practice the shape, I made this prototype out of some honeylocust I had on hand. Would those of you who are familiar with traditional Hawaiian wood objects please comment on the shape? The very top of the base piece flares more than I had intended right at the rim. Thank you for your help.

PuahalaPrototypeHoneyLocust10_2022.JPGPuahalaPrototypeHoneyLocust10_2022_3.JPG
 
Regardless of the lack of adherence to traditional Hawaiian vessels, @Dean Center .....I think it's outstanding!

-----odie-----
Thanks Odie, but you should see it rocking on the round bottom! It's like one of those Mr. Boffo punching toys we had when we were kids.

And thank you, Emiliano. Your feedback is exactly what I hoped for and is much appreciated. Hang in there and take care of yourself.
 
I'm certainly no expert, but I'm trying to learn so that I won't mess up the pieces of wood Emiliano sent me a couple of years ago. I have been carefully studying the things that Emiliano and Kelly Dunn turn to get the subtle curve just right.
 
If you are into craft shows then make this piece a conversation starter by calling it a “drunken tankard”, or consider flattening the bottom and make it a tall vase.
 
Reminds me of some small toys my kids had called weebles. The slogan was "weebles wobble but they don't fall down". If it rights itself to stand up straight then kind of a fun piece to show as Karl said.
 
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