FINE CONGOLESE CARVED WOOD CEREMONIAL PADDLE C.1900

63 5/8" length. The elongated leaf shaped blade carved in high relief with seven broad roped panels flanking rectangular and semicircular piercings. Shaft with transversely pierced chain link segment, probably a reference to the slave trade which was active at the time. Well carved terminal matching the blade. These paddles evolved from the Congolese river people in and near Kinshasa which has been a trading center since the 19th century. Originating from the utilitarian form they became an indigenous art form which was highly valued by visitors in the same way as the spiral procession Loango tusks. As such, they are among the very few African products valued as true art by Western standards. This example is characteristic of the early evolutionary period and blending traditional motifs with Western artistic standards and taste. Lovely deep honey patina with slight manor house paint spatter. Both delicate pointed terminals unusually undamaged. Plexiglas floor stand.