Description

Large Maori waka hoe

(Maori canoe paddles). Looking for authentic Maori art? You found another beautiful Maori artwork by our Maori wood carver. Popular corporate gift. Or make an impressive statement in your office.

Description large paddle:

‘Maui’ on top with Matau Hook representing prosperity and success, also safe travel especially over water.

Tangaroa ‘God of the oceans and fish’ in center. Then depicting taniwha, the river guardian, on the blade. The taniwha is surrounded with Koru and Unaunahi (fishscale) patterns and represents growth, life, new beginnings, harmony and peace.

And the paddle itself represents strength, courage, determination, focus and energy.

Type of wood: NZ native timber. Our carver uses native NZ wood (rimu, matai, totara or swamp kauri). Beautiful large Maori paddle created by our talented Maori carver.

• Size: large Maori waka hoe: ~ 980mm (38.58″)

Authentic Maori artefacts by our Maori artist.

Paddles

Paddling was the most common method of propelling canoes (waka). And these paddles (waka hoe) were known as a hoe or hīrau. Longer paddles were known as hoe whakatere, hoe whakahaere or urungi. The paddles were usually made of kahikatea wood, although mataī could also be suitably light and strong. Tuta Nihoniho, of the Ngāti Porou tribe, noted that paddles could also be made of mānuka, maire, the heart of pukatea, and tawa.

The steering oars were straight, but on properly formed paddles the blade was set at a slight angle. The side of the blade used for pushing against the water was flat, while the other was rounded. The handle was straight, though in the Waikato district curved handles were used. Generally paddles were unadorned, but occasionally they were painted with scrolled kōwhaiwhai patterns. Paddles for purely ceremonial uses were usually carved.

On coastal trips one man would usually steer. However, on voyages in the open ocean there could be up to four – two at the stern, and two near the bow.

Source: Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr, ‘Waka – canoes – Waka equipment’, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand.

Or check out our small paddle with koru design or medium paddle with koru design >> or our large paddle with koru design >>

We ship paddles worldwide. Please note that due to the value of these beautiful Maori artworks, the large wooden paddles need to be sent by International courier.