Ceremonial Paddle
- Artist Culture
- Hermit Islands artist
- Date
- probably 18th century
- Material
- Wood, pigment
- probably from
- Manus province, Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Oceania
- Classification
- Tools & equipment, wood
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 109
- Dimensions
- 5 15/16 x 52 3/16 in. (15.1 x 132.5 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Morton D. May
- Rights
- Contact Us
- Object Number
- 198:1975
NOTES
This paddle’s refined design, as seen in the openwork handle with double spirals and elegant form, suggests it was used specifically for ceremonies. The unworn, darkened motifs on the blade reinforce this theory. On the Hermit Islands, groups of male dancers often perform while nimbly wielding paddles, swinging them with skill and dynamism. The Hermit Islands are situated on the north coast of New Guinea and are considered part of Paramicronesia, a cultural enclave of Micronesia.
Provenance
by 1974 - 1975
Morton D. May (1914-1983), St. Louis, MO, USA [1]
1975 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Morton D. May [2]
Notes:
[1] Morton D. May lent this object to the Saint Louis Art Museum in 1974 [loan number 1974.1669. SLAM document files].
[2] A letter dated August 14, 1975 from Morton D. May to Mary-Edgar Patton, acting director of the Saint Louis Art Museum, includes the offer of this object as part of a larger donation [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees, Saint Louis Art Museum, November 6, 1975.
Morton D. May (1914-1983), St. Louis, MO, USA [1]
1975 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Morton D. May [2]
Notes:
[1] Morton D. May lent this object to the Saint Louis Art Museum in 1974 [loan number 1974.1669. SLAM document files].
[2] A letter dated August 14, 1975 from Morton D. May to Mary-Edgar Patton, acting director of the Saint Louis Art Museum, includes the offer of this object as part of a larger donation [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees, Saint Louis Art Museum, November 6, 1975.