oceania | Austral Islands
Ceremonial Paddle
Austral Islands
Carved wood
Circa 1820-1840
Height : 39 in. (99 cm)
Ex collection Michael Hamson, California
Austral islands Paddle 99 cm / Galerie Flak
Price on request
Neither Polynesian oral tradition nor travel narratives relate information on either functional or ritual use of this type of Austral Islands paddle. It is nevertheless probable that they were designed as emblems of status and intended for ceremonial use.
These paddles are distinguished by the elegance of their decoration and their purity of form – constituting veritable lace-making out of wood.
These paddles are distinguished by the elegance of their decoration and their purity of form – constituting veritable lace-making out of wood.
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