Ceremonial Paddle, 1800s. Polynesia, Ra'ivavae, Austral Islands, 19th century. Wood; overall: cm (8 1/2 in.). Fine, chip-carved patterns cover the blades and shafts of Austral Islands ceremonial paddles. Squatting human figures carved around the butt are called tiki tiki tangata, meaning man-gods. The shafts of early paddles are usually round in cross-section; 19th-century examples are sometimes square.

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Size: 1350px × 3400px
Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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