Canoe Prow
ClassificationsTools and Equipment-canoe prows
Date20th Century
Made AtPapua New Guinea
MediumWood
Dimensions8 × 37 1/2 × 3 1/2 in. (20.3 × 95.3 × 8.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Danny and Anne Shih
Object number2014.15.25
DescriptionIn many regions of Papua New Guinea, ornamental canoe prows are carved into the front portion of a canoe’s prow. These prows can represent spiritual beings or clan symbols and sometimes evoke the properties of the being represented. Often times, the figures represented are used as protection for the voyagers within the canoe. The style of carving featured on this piece suggests a possible link to the Sepik area. However, canoe prows from that area very often are in the shape of a crocodile head.On View
Not on viewCollections
mid 20th century
19th Century
