Model of a Kula Canoe, mid to late 20th Century
Massim culture; Marshall Bennet Islands, Milne…

Model Canoe

ClassificationsSculpture-models

Culture Massim

Datemid to late 20th Century

Made AtMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

Collection SiteMilne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumWood, fiber, cowry shell and pigment

Dimensionsa: 14 1/4 × 59 × 21 in. (36.2 × 149.9 × 53.3 cm)
b: 2 3/4 × 49 5/8 × 2 3/4 in. (7 × 126 × 7 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number2017.10.164a,b

DescriptionModels such as this were created as children’s toys, for ceremonial purposes, or for sale to tourists or non-indigenous peoples. Today, children use these models for games, including canoe races. Canoe models are valuable assets as they speak to how the larger canoes that they represent were designed and decorated. Kula canoes in particular hold special significance in Massim culture and society as they are central to the Kula trade that occurs throughout the Massim area.

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