Catalogue card notes: "Highly ornate paddle with pointed leaf-shape blade, having six carved perforations each containing a crocodile. The open work handle is carved with other animals and the central portion of the shaft is of open cable pattern."
Highly ornate wooden paddle with pointed leaf-shape 'blade', having six carved perforations each containing a crocodile. The open work handle is carved with other animals resembling lizards, and the central portion of the shaft is of open cable pattern. Chip broken off and missing from tip and handle.
1903 Annual Report notes 'Jekri, work, Benin District.' The Jekri, now known as Itsekiri, are from the Niger Delta area in Southern Nigeria.
The record previously include the terms 'Edo' in both cultural group and place, but the majority of Edo live further north in present day Edo State, and were presumably included due to the 'Benin' reference. These 'Edo' references have now been deleted from the record,
Catalogue card reads, in blue biro: "1902 E 120 | AFRICA | WEST AFRICA / NIGERIA / Highly ornate PADDLE with pointed leaf-shaped blade, having six carved perforations each containing a crocodile. The open work handle is carved with other animals and the central portion of the shaft is of open cable pattern. L.64" / Bight of Benin, W. Africa / Purchased in Harrowgate. | R 1903 426"
Red circular sticker in bottom right corner of card.