Paddle (Hoe)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-paddles

Artist Anaha Te Rahui (Maori, 1821 - 1913)

Culture Māori

Datec. 1890

Made AtNew Zealand

MediumWood and paua shell

Dimensions69 × 5 3/4 × 2 3/8 in. (175.3 × 14.6 × 6 cm)

Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase

Object number2015.22.1

DescriptionMaōri paddles are known as hoe. The traditional form of the hoe is retained in this example. The artist, Anaha Te Rahui, endeavored to innovate with traditional forms to create meaningful works of art. The paddle is quite intricately carved both on its front and reverse. The symbols on the paddle include the scroll work seen throughout the blade, stylized bird designs at the blade’s center (manaia) and interlocking designs between the manaia. Traditionally made paddles featured a protective ancestor figure on the blade, and it is likely that the artist kept this in mind when he created the squatting figure seen here. The other figure on this paddle is a female that sits atop the handle as a finial. Her face is carved in the wheku style, meaning that she possesses specific facial features such as sloping eyes and eyebrows and an angled face. Although the figure is carved with these traditional features, her body’s form is rarely seen. The stance is incredibly interesting as her legs are raised so that her feet sit under her chin. Her hands reach behind her body and rest on her buttocks. Both figures’ bodies have traditional moko tattooing.

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