Description:

Polynesia, Samoa, ca. 19th century CE. A lovely carved wooden model of an outrigger canoe sans stabilizer (there are four tiny perforations for attaching one), featuring a curved back profile, a deep depression for holding cargo and passengers, and a pointed prow. The sides are incised with lovely diamond- and triangle-shaped repeated geometric motifs in relief; the lower profile areas of these motifs have been colored with a lime-based white pigment. Outrigger canoes, known as "paopao", are used in the traditional Samoan lifestyle to fish and gather other food in lagoons and estuaries; they are also used for coastal travel. This elegant example would have been carved in the 19th century by a Samoan native, made for visiting Europeans who were fascinated by their way of life. Size: 23.15" W x 3" H (58.8 cm x 7.6 cm)

See a similar example at the Museum of New Zealand (FE011984).

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Aguttes Auction, Paris, France, April 6, 2017, Lot 453

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#151871

  • Condition: The stabilizer is lost. The wood is lightly weathered with some small fissures along the grain. Small loss from back edge. Great deposits on surface and preservation of form and details.

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February 27, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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