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Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Upper Sepik River region, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. This is a gorgeous hand-carved wooden paddle with a fantastic carving on the midrib of the blade and the handle. The grip finial is shaped as an intricate and stylized zoomorphic head - the rounded snout and triangular teeth suggest a crocodile, and the prominent midrib on the petaloid blade is incised with wavy geometric motifs. The rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea means that the easiest form of travel for its native indigenous inhabitants is via dugout canoe, especially in the region around the long inland Sepik River. Both paddles and canoes were highly decorated with symbols of clans and emblems for safety, speed, and success - a crocodile is a fitting creature that embodies power in the water. This is a lovely example with great preservation to both finial and blade, with a nice patina throughout. Size: 6" W x 56" H (15.2 cm x 142.2 cm); 58" H (147.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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#135728
Condition
Surface abrasions commensurate with age and use. Chips to blade peripheries and stable pressure fissures, otherwise intact. Great patina throughout and sharply carved details.