Dance Paddle (Besós ra nglóik)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-paddles

Datemid 20th Century

Made AtPalau

MediumWood and pigment

Dimensions30 1/2 × 2 3/4 × 1/2 in. (77.5 × 7 × 1.3 cm)

Credit LineGift of Frieda O. Wray from the Estate of Dr. & Mrs. Douglas and Carolyn Osborne

Object number2019.17.23

DescriptionThis is a Palauan dance paddle used by the donor, or the donor sister, during a ceremonial dance on the opening day of the Palau Museum Men’s Meeting House in 1969. In the Palauan vernacular, a dance paddle with a one-ended blade is referred as besós ra nglóik; while a double-ended dance paddle is referred as a besós lī ë tekíl. Canoe travel is an important factor in Palauan life and besós ra nglóik are meant to emulate this during a performance. Therefore, these dance paddles are painted red much like the paddles of actual war canoes. When these objects are used in ceremonial dance its choreography revolves around the imitation of the paddling movement. In the Palauan culture dances that incorporated a besós ra nglóik often told stories about migration or wave conquering.

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