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Heavy and elaborately carved wooden "paddle" from the Austral Islands, or "hoe," The carvings include the characteristic Austral Island circular motif and flared handle pommel with six human-like figures. Little is known about the use of objects like this. Some experts believe they were used as ceremonial dance paddles and others that they were made for trade with visiting Westerners.
paddles (watercraft equipment)
wood (plant material)
Austral Islands
Paddle
Original to Phillips House (Salem, Mass.),
E47,148
FD017
Unknown
Austral Islands, Pacific Island Group
9 3/16 (W) (inches)
Gift of the Stephen Phillips Memorial Charitable Trust for Historic Preservation
2006.44.1150
Tribal Art Winter 2012, XVII-I, number 66
Polynesia (Oceania) [general region]
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