Paddle ·  Austral Islands · ID: 3051705

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.

The object Paddle with the object ID 3051705 was last part of the auction Auction 105 at November 15, 2025 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 186 achieved a sales price of EUR 900.

You can find more Paddles and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on Oceanian art.

Comparing literature

Kaeppler, Adrienne, Polynesia, Honolulu 2010, p. 317