A PADDLE, MARQUESAS ISLANDS

Carved and engraved wood

Private collection

Art and Artifacts of Polynesia, Hurst Gallery, Massachusetts, USA, 1990, cat. no.16

D'Alleva, Anne, Art and Artifacts of Polynesia, Hurst Gallery, Massachusetts, USA, 1990, pp.20-21, cat. no.16

Very good condition overall. No visible restoration or repairs.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cf. Linton, R., The Material Culture of the Marquesas Islands, Memoirs of the Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Vol.III, no.5, Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, 1923

According to the Hurst Gallery exhibition catalogue: "The unusual shape of Marquesan paddles makes them easily recognisable. The uniformity in shape and proportion of the knobbed end seems to indicate that it served a definite purpose. According to some of the Marquesans interviewed by Linton, the knob caused the paddle to make a pleasant sound when pushed through the water. Others explained that it made the paddle a more effective club in sea fights; that it prevented the blade from being splintered when pushing off the rocks; that it allowed the paddle to be rested securely on the forked top of the outrigger; and that it kept the blade from side-slipping in the water (Linton 1923:315)

Before European contact, paddles were decorated with carving at the handle, the blade, and the knob. During the course of the nineteenth century, the decorations expanded to cover the entire surface of the paddle (Linton 1923:315)...". (Hurst 1990:20)