Maori Paddles Waka Hoe
Broadly Maori Paddles can be devided into three types. Early paddles were functional items and usually had plain blades with minimal decorative elements besides the pommel. These were the paddles made to propel canoes and therefor subject to wear making eleborate carving impractical.
The second type of paddle are sometimes referred to as dance paddles but are better described as presentration paddles. These paddles have elaborately carved blades and were a status symbol but had the same shape and size of regular canoe paddles
The third type are Maori paddles made for sale. These later made for sale paddles can still be collectable but tend to be smaller and often have a straight shaft.
Maori paddles are collectable Maori Artifact in their own right. Maori canoes or Waka varied in size but collectable paddles are from large war canoes or Waka Tuau.
Above: Designs on Maori Paddle blades
Above: Designs on Maori Paddle pommels
Maori Paddle Waka Hoe Information
Most early Maori Canoe paddles are 130cm – 180cm in length. The length of the blade is similar in length to the shaft
Maori paddles vary in value from $1000 – $10,000 depending on their age condition and design.
Besides the general shape and elegance of the paddles form the design on the pommel and the blade greatly affect the value.
If you have a Maori canoe paddle and want to know what it is worth feel free to contact me.
Maori paddles were also carved for sale to travellers as far back as the 1860’s. Some of these early tourist paddles are still collectable but are of less value.
The following image is to give the reader a visual reference to the variety and style of Maori paddles.
The above examples are all older examples.
The Maori still carve contemporary examples for sale to tourists
All images in this article are for educational purposes only.
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