**Originally Listed At $750**

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, probably from the Massim area of Milne Bay, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A gorgeous example of a carved wooden paddle with ornate motifs where the handle meets the blade. The long, thin, cylindrical handle is capped by a cube drilled through on each side with a round hole; this cube is capped by a long projection and a roughly spherical knob. The blade itself is leaf-shaped, the wood stained darker than the handle. Where the handle joins it, two long arms reach down, creating an attachment. Deeply incised lines create a zoomorphic form along the length of the attachment. The paddle has deeply incised lines that radiate outward from this join area. Size: 82.625" L x 7.85" W (209.9 cm x 19.9 cm)

Paddles like this one are iconic artifacts from Oceania. They frequently show few signs of use, suggesting that they were used mainly in ceremonies or only used in important expeditions.

Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection

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#130839

Patina from age and handling on surface, with darker wood where hands are most likely to hold the piece. Low profile areas have limited encrustation. Intact.