A superb, and very early ceremonial dance paddle called patil en kapir and carved over all with a minute geometric decor. The vertical edges are pierced for the attachment of tassels. These rare paddles were used in ceremonial and ritual dances related to the consecration of a chief’s new canoe.

Ponape (Pohnpei) or Chuuk (Truk) Islands, Caroline Islands, Micronesia.

Wood with black pigment and traces of lime highlights. Carved with neolithic tools.

85 x 11 x 3 cm. 18th/19th century.

Ex coll. : Norman Paul Hurst, Cambridge; a pencil inscription reads (S.M.--.).