Trobriand Islands Canoe Splashboard

Massim canoe Splashboard (Lagim), Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea. Carved and engraved wood and natural pigments. Wooden canoe prow splash board, intricately carved on one face, plain on other, splash board placed transversely across the prow behind the prow ornament. A finely decorated sea-going canoe enhanced the prestige of the members of a trading expedition and of their village, length 14.57 in. x 16.54 in. Provenance: Ex Echo gallery collection, New South Wales. Private collection, New South Wales