New World, Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, British Columbia), Native American, Tlingit, Haida, or Salish peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A gorgeous pair of wooden paddles with finely carved zoomorphic motifs in relief on either side of the blades. These motifs appear to represent a killer whale, with a large eye, facial markings, and teeth. Red and black paint on one side of each paddle highlights the low relief motifs. Known as "blackfish", killer whales are deadly and terrifying creatures that have a special affinity for humans in indigenous Pacific northwest lore. Size of each: 4.5" W x 45.25" H (11.4 cm x 114.9 cm)

The native people of the Pacific Northwest have a long tradition of skillfully carving canoes and paddles, made to be used on the open ocean and in rivers, for hunting and for travel. Paddles come in different shapes based on where they are made, if they are for men or women, and what their use is (open ocean vs. river). They are made of yew, cedar, and sometimes maple, and painted with colorful designs, as these are. The pointed tips on these blades are also useful on land for staking a canoe to the ground.

Provenance: Ex- private Orange County, CA collection

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#121696

Small areas of wear to the wood and losses of pigment as shown. Dark wood patina from handling.