Murik Lakes, Lower Sepik River, PNG

Both  paddle finials were collected in 1960s-early 1970s, and are carved of garamut wood – the hardest timber available on the Sepik. Garamut is used for all good paddles, especially war paddles, and can easily last a generation. The smaller finial is a stylised crocodile head with some human features. The larger finial is a tall ancestor figure with the same stylised crocodile on its head. These are protective to travellers in the canoes, from enemy and crocodiles.

a) 23 x 5 x 5 cm

b) 33.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 cm