A very rare Museum Quality Authentic Antique Oceanic leaf shaped ceremonial war paddle made of a dark brown hardwood rising from a rounded shaft, and flaring to an elongated tear shaped spatulate blade, each side carved in low relief with a characteristic for this region face of typical elongated form with large sagittate nose, circular eyes, and crescent shaped lips, the finial of the shaft bountifully carved with the head of an Alligator.
The paddle was made by very primitive stone...

Central Desert Australian Aboriginal shield in concave form, circa 1900 A.D.
DETAILS: both sides of the shield are covered with deeply incised longitudinal grooves finished with red ochre, the handle is carved deeply into the reverse side, some of the ochre coating at the sharp edges is worn through to the wood, shield has beautiful old patina, no artificial colors or paint.
CONDITION: no cracks or repairs.
MEASUREMENTS: Length: 25 ¼ inches (64,2 cm)...