Paddle

Museum number: UEM160

Material: Wood

Region and culture: Possible French Polynesia

Description: Wooden paddle most likely from Ra'ivavae in the Austral Islands. Although the original catalogue text states that the paddle comes from Hervey Islands, comparison with other paddles indicates that it derives from the Austral Islands. What this object specifically was used for is difficult to determine. Comparing this object to similar paddles from the Austral Island, it is likely that this was a ceremonial paddle used for sacred performances - more precicely a dance paddle. The size, proportions and ornamentation renders the paddle unusable for canoes and therefore it may have had a much more ritualistic function.  

How the paddle came into Fredrik Rings posession is hard to determine. His ship crew may have traded for it on their way from New Zealand to Valparaiso. It was donated to the Ethnographic Museum in 1833.