Kava Bowl - Tanoa Made in Samoa — Handcrafted Ifilele Wood

Made in Samoa • Handcrafted from Ifilele Wood (Koa Wood)

A small piece of Samoa, handcrafted in the islands.

The tanoa is one of the most recognizable forms of Samoan material culture, traditionally associated with the preparation and serving of ‘ava (kava). These miniature tanoa honor that distinctive form through the craftsmanship of Samoan artisans.

Each piece is handcrafted in Samoa from ifilele wood, a native hardwood traditionally used in Samoan carving. Its naturally rich coloring, distinctive grain, and variations from light golden brown to deeper reddish-brown mean that no two tanoa will be exactly alike.

These tanoa were not made by MoanaSina Creations. They are sourced directly from a family supplier in Samoa and made by talented artisans back home. MoanaSina Creations is honored to offer them as part of our continuing journey of sharing and celebrating our Samoan heritage and Polynesian ancestry.

Our connection to Samoa is personal, rooted through generations of family from American Samoa and the Independent State of Samoa, including the island of Savai‘i. By including these handcrafted pieces in our collection, we hope to honor the people, artistry, and cultural traditions from which they come.

Sized as a miniature interpretation of the traditional tanoa, each piece can be displayed as Samoan art, used to hold jewelry or small keepsakes, or given as a meaningful gift.

Details

• Origin: Samoa
• Material: Ifilele wood (Intsia bijuga)
• Craftsmanship: Handcrafted by artisans in Samoa
• Approx. overall width: 4¼ in.
• Approx. overall height: 2¼ in.
• Approx. interior width: 3 in.
• Approx. interior depth: Just over 1 in.
• Use: Decorative display, jewelry or keepsake holder, or gift
• Natural variation: Wood grain, coloration, markings, shape, and finish will vary from piece to piece

Made in Samoa. Handcrafted from ifilele. Curated with purpose by MoanaSina Creations.

A note about the tanoa

Although the traditional tanoa holds important cultural significance in Samoa and is associated with the preparation of ‘ava, these miniature tanoa are offered as decorative and keepsake pieces rather than ceremonial ‘ava bowls. Their smaller scale allows the recognizable Samoan form and craftsmanship to be appreciated in the home while respecting the distinction between these pieces and full-size tanoa used in traditional settings.