Polynesian paddle projects

After a previous paddle project, I was asked to make two more for decorative wall hangings. This time I made a more traditional Hawaiian pattern paddle and an accompanying traditional canoe paddle.

The Hawaiian style paddles have only a straight shaft without a pommel of any sort. Some of them have a more pointed blade as well…Hawaiian paddles are often the least ornate models of all the Polynesian paddles, historically, but I added some engraved spear points to the blade of this one to give it some depth. Sapele.

The second paddle is a more traditional canoe paddle design, with a teardrop blade. This one is accentuated with maple laminates in the blade and a draw bore pin in the pommel. Finished with BLO, shellac and then 4 coats of NC lacquer. I also built some matching wall brackets…but forgot to take pics of them, oh well! Sapele and a little maple.