Lake Sentani Canoe Paddle-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
I have not seen an older or more elegant Lake Sentani canoe paddle than the present example from the Lynda Cunningham Collection. The figure on top has arms that gracefully loop up with hands clasping the chest. The head is rounded with a quiet downcast gaze. The paddle blade is intricately carved with classic curvilinear designs and a small creature near the tip. Overall, the surface is dark and smooth with an aged patina. The paddle dates to the late 19th/early 20th century, is 73 1/8” (185.7 cm) in height.