Hoe (Carved ceremonial paddle)

Hoe. Carved ceremonial paddle. This hoe (paddle) is carved from ra'au (hardwood) into a teardrop-shaped blade with a long slender to'o (shaft), round in section, that flares toward the butt. A band of copper is fitted around the shaft like a cuff. The butt is carved into eight stylised ti'i (ancestral human figures) arranged concentrically to create a conical form. The hoe is carved in fine geometric patterns over all the surfaces of the wood. The hoe is red brown in colour although patchy discolouration is visible on the blade.