CANOE SPLASHBOARD, lagim, Trobriand Islands, PNG

Chris Boylan Oceanic Art

CANOE SPLASHBOARD, lagim, Trobriand Islands, PNG

Splashboards are attached to the stem and stern of the large sailing canoes, used in the kula trade voyages. They are an integral part of the structure that builds up the higher sides of these canoes and functionally keep water from splashing inside.  This example is asymmetrically dynamic, with a much larger curvilinear form on the right and smaller on the left, with two well-carved squatting figures between. They are always painted for voyages (much of which has worn away.) and empowered with magic spells to make the trade and voyage more successful for the kula sponsor. The splashboard shows extensive wear and erosion on the back from many journeys at sea.

$3,000.00

Artwork details