Intricately Carved Leaf-Shaped Paddle from Austral Islands

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Austral Island paddle paddle blade of leaf-shaped form with long cylindrical shaft. Intricately carved in low relief with an elaborate design of interlocking geometric patterns. This form of Ra'ivav'an paddle is thought to be symbolic rather than utilitarian; these objects were imbued with tribal authority, prestige, and rank of the owner. Carving to the top of the handle reveals abstracted human figures with protruding faces. Length 128.5 cm. Width 19 cm

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Austral Island - artefacts 7

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