This post has nothing to do with the state of the world, which as we know is abysmal. It’s just a little oddity looking for an explanation.

This beautiful koa side table was auctioned off recently in Honolulu.

The question is simple. There were moveable side panels on both ends that would swing out to the side. Meda’s demonstrating with one of then. Although the swung out to create a flat surface, there didn’t appear to be a way to hold them up in place.

So what are the swinging side panels for? They must have had a function.

All of us at the auction preview were stumped.

If you know or just want to guess, please leave a comment!