Artwork Page for Fishing Canoe Prow

Details / Information for Fishing Canoe Prow

Fishing Canoe Prow

1800s

Polynesia, New Zealand, Maori people, 19th century

Medium
wood with haliotis (pearl) shell inlay
Measurements
Overall: 35.3 cm (13 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
The Mary Spedding Milliken Memorial Collection, Gift of William Mathewson Milliken 1967.231
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Intricate surface patterning characterizes Maori wood carvings. The swirls and spirals covering the face on this canoe prow replicate traditional facial tattoo patterns. Similar designs were used for post and gable figures that adorned both dwellings and compounds.
Dark brown wood canoe prow shaped like an oval face, with a slightly open, smiling mouth, the face covered in lines that arc out from the nose, and snake-like eyes filled with pearl inlay glinting cream, pink, and green. The radiating lines curl on the cheeks and nose of the mask. Where the mask would intersect with the boat is shaped in a pyramid outline, with "NEW ZEALAND" written just below the face.

Fishing Canoe Prow

1800s

Polynesia, New Zealand, Maori people, 19th century

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