2
Portfolios%20%3D%20%22391%22%20and%20Disp_Obj_Type%20%3D%20%22Woodwork%22%20and%20Century%20%3D%20%2219th-20th%20Century%22%20and%20Creation_Place2%20%3D%20%22French%20Polynesia%22
Woodwork
Ceremonial Canoe Paddle
Austral Islands artist, (active )
Austral Islands artist
Austral Islands
41 1/4 x 9 in. (104.8 x 22.9 cm)
.
.
.
Wood
Wood
0
0
1800-1900, 1900-2000, canoe paddles, Oceanic, Oceanic art (Pacific Islands), sculpture
Woodwork
Based on the size and intricately carved surface it is unlikely that this was ever used as a canoe paddle. Although knowledge of their original function is lost, it is believed that paddles like this may have been used to accentuate a dancer’s movements during ritual performances. By the late 19th century Austral artists recognized Westerners’ interest in the paddles fine carving and craftsmanship and began making them for the market.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1953.31
item
Memorial Art Gallery
3/20/2001
53.31SL1
slide
full
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
negative
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
glossy
8x10
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
glossy
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
53.31DI1
digital image
full
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/53.31_A1.jpg
53.31DI#2
digital image
7/28/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/53.31_A2.jpg
Woodwork
Stilt Step
Marquesan artist
Marquesan artist
French Polynesia
Primary
12 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 3 3/4 in. (31.8 x 7 x 9.6 cm)
.
.
.
overall
overall
.
.
.
with mount
overall
Wood
Wood
0
0
Oceanic, Oceanic art (Pacific Islands)
Woodwork
Stilt steps such as this one were footrests for stilt walkers. They were lashed about two or three feet from the bottom of tall poles. Marquesan men performed on stilts for entertainment and ritual occasions. Accomplished stilt-walkers could perform somersaults and other acrobatics. Audiences placed wagers on races, mock battles and other competitions between opponents. The stocky figure is in the form of Tiki, known generally throughout Polynesia as the wise and potent creator of the human race. Shallow, carved lines recall the tattoos that beautify the bodies of Marquesan women and men.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1967.38
item
Memorial Art Gallery
3/20/2001
67.38DI#1
digital image
Three-quarter
5/12/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/67.38_A1.jpg
67.38DI#2
digital image
Side
5/12/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/67.38_A2.jpg