Paddle · Austral Islands · ID: 3051705
Starting price
EUR 1,000
Estimated price
EUR 2,500
Provenance
German Private Collection, MunichSize
L: 111,5 cm
L: 43.9 inch
Description
wood, rest.
Most Austral Island paddles are dated roughly between 1820 to 1840, mostly made probably on the Island of Raivavae, and are generally described as made for trade items.
Their original use in pre European contact era is still a mystery today. These objects were completely unsuitable for use in the conventional sense. Consequently it has been assumed that they were emblems of rank or status, for ceremonial rather than functional use.
Comparing literature
Kaeppler, Adrienne, Polynesia, Honolulu 2010, p. 317