Steering Paddle
ClassificationsTools and Equipment-paddles
Culture
Massim
Datemid 19th - early 20th Century
Made AtMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
Collection SiteSydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australia
MediumWood
Dimensions79 × 11 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (200.7 × 29.2 × 3.8 cm)
Credit LineThe George Stanley Lodin Collection
Object number2015.17.4
DescriptionAmong the many islands off the coast of New Guinea, sea-worthy canoes (and their apparatus) are decorated to ensure success and protection during extensive trading voyages. In the Trobriand Islands, two men steer the outrigger canoes that carry shells, personal adornments, food and other goods for barter and exchange. A smaller paddle with a leaf-shaped blade such as this example is placed through the canoe's slats at the stern to help guide the craft. The paddle is masterfully fashioned, thin and light in weight and features the swirling designs typical of the Massim area.On View
Not on viewmid 20th Century
mid 20th Century
20th Century
mid 19th Century
mid to late 20th Century
20th Century
mid to late 20th Century
20th Century
20th Century