This carving is an enlarged contemporary replica of a traditional Marquesan ceremonial paddle, used during celebrations and rituals. The handle is carved as two tiki faces. There is a full tiki figure just above the paddle blade. The paddle blade is covered with intricate Marquesan symbols including another tiki face.
Carved from Pacific Rosewood (Thespecia populnea). The trees were regarded as sacred in Polynesian culture and were traditionally planted in special groves and used for religious sculpture.
60"H x 15."W x 4"D