Object Description
A Very Rare Long Maori Paddle ‘Hoe’
Superb colour and patina
Wood
Maori / New Zealand
Late 18th / early 19th Century
Size: 217cm long – 85½ ins long
A Very Rare Long Maori Paddle ‘Hoe’
Superb colour and patina
Wood
Maori / New Zealand
Late 18th / early 19th Century
Size: 217cm long – 85½ ins long
Provenance:
W.D. Webster, Bicester, no. 1307
Lt. Gen. A.H.L.F. Pitt-Rivers, acquired from the above 1897
Sotheby’s, London, 27th February 1978, lot 53
Ex Peter Adler, London
Ex Private collection
Literature:
Pitt Rivers Ledger, add. 9455, vol. 8, pp. 2248
See: watercolour reproduced by kind permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library, add. 9455 vol. 8, pg. 2248
A fine and very long paddle, probably made for an important ‘war’ canoe. With a carved protective ‘ancestor’ stylised ‘tiki’ figure to the butt. On the blade we can see Webster’s collection number: ‘1307’; and to the reverse ‘impressed’ initials formed from a ‘branding iron’ or ‘stamp’ with the initials of the new owner or sailor who would have deposited the paddle in the ship’s ‘hold’ during the long voyage back to the Europe.
By appointment only.
Suite 744
2 Old Brompton Road
London
SW7 3DQ (by appointment)
Gallery (by appointment)
Rue Ernest Allard, 32
Brussels
Sablon
1000
Belgium
717 Madison Avenue, 5/A
New York
NY
10065
USA (by appointment)