Fine Austral Paddle - SOLD
1830s
Length 44 3/4"
Provenance: Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, CA. Ms. Fearing of the McCormick Harvester International family whose fortune was made in the farming equipment field.
Ceremonial paddles are among the best known examples of Austral Islands art. Although their original purpose is not clear, they were likely used as dance wands. In the early nineteenth century, many were made as souvenirs for visiting travelers. It is unclear whether this particular paddle was used locally or made for the market nearly 200 years ago.The geometric design of interlocking lozenges arranged in bands on the paddle was carved with a shark's tooth. A circle of bottle-horned beast heads, carved in full relief, decorates the pommel.
1830s
Length 44 3/4"
Provenance: Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, CA. Ms. Fearing of the McCormick Harvester International family whose fortune was made in the farming equipment field.
Ceremonial paddles are among the best known examples of Austral Islands art. Although their original purpose is not clear, they were likely used as dance wands. In the early nineteenth century, many were made as souvenirs for visiting travelers. It is unclear whether this particular paddle was used locally or made for the market nearly 200 years ago.The geometric design of interlocking lozenges arranged in bands on the paddle was carved with a shark's tooth. A circle of bottle-horned beast heads, carved in full relief, decorates the pommel.
1830s
Length 44 3/4"
Provenance: Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, CA. Ms. Fearing of the McCormick Harvester International family whose fortune was made in the farming equipment field.
Ceremonial paddles are among the best known examples of Austral Islands art. Although their original purpose is not clear, they were likely used as dance wands. In the early nineteenth century, many were made as souvenirs for visiting travelers. It is unclear whether this particular paddle was used locally or made for the market nearly 200 years ago.The geometric design of interlocking lozenges arranged in bands on the paddle was carved with a shark's tooth. A circle of bottle-horned beast heads, carved in full relief, decorates the pommel.