Buka Paddles-Solomon Islands-Melanesian Art-Oceanic Art
These two paddles come from Bougainville Island in the northern Solomon Islands—actually part of Papua New Guinea. These are classic in shape and style except for the somewhat macabre shallow relief-carved designs of hanging birds. The paddles were said to be used as both weapons and for ceremonial reasons (Spiegel 1967, pp. 36-7). This pair comes from a fine Bay Area private collection, date to the early 20th century or before, are 62 ¾” (159.4 cm) and 61 5/8” (156.6 cm) in height.