Hawaiian Poho Bowl with Cherry Poho and Pewa Patches (B170)

I call this my Poho Bowl. This is a figured piece of Colorado Silver Maple that had two knots that grew through the middle of it. I tried to fill the knots but it didn't look very good so I cut them out completely and replaced them with a piece of Black Cherry. The pictures show the bowl from all 4 sides. This technique of cutting out a defect and replacing it with a patch has been used by the Hawaiians for centuries. The squarish patch goes completely through the bowl and is called a "poho". It's traditional for the poho to be reinforced with butterfly or "pewa" patches on the outside, which do not go all the way through. The poho and pewa patches are Black Cherry, as is the foot that I added to match the patches. The foot not only lifts the bowl off the table but also acts like a pedestal to showcase the bowl. I enjoy repairing bowls and taking them from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. The bowl has been strengthened and repaired and can be used as a salad or serving bowl, or whatever you want to use it for. But equally important is that it will last for generations. It truly is one of a kind. The bowl measures 11-3/4" diameter x 4-1/4" tall. It's been finished with Odie's Oil, which is a food safe oil that doesn't have any toxic solvents, driers or hardeners. Odie's is so durable that it's also commonly used as a finish for wood flooring. If it can stand up to people walking on it a wooden bowl is no problem. To me quality is not just in how the bowl is made or what type of wood is used, quality also means using the best finish you can if you want your bowl to last and look good for years. Hand wash only, use and care instructions are provided.