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Steering Paddle, mid 19th to early 20th Century
Massim culture; Trobriand Islands, Milne Bay P…
Steering Paddle
Steering Paddle, mid 19th to early 20th Century
Massim culture; Trobriand Islands, Milne Bay P…
Steering Paddle, mid 19th to early 20th Century Massim culture; Trobriand Islands, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia Wood; 79 × 11 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. 2015.17.4 The George Stanley Lodin Collection
Copyright Bowers Museum

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.
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