1: A boat paddle in the characteristic shape of the Ticuna Indians from the Upper Amazon River (Rio Solimoes), on the border of Brazil, Columbia and Peru. Carved in hard, brown wood and dyed black. The typical flat, large paddle with pointed end is decorated on both sides with one large circle-and-star motif of incised lines and dots. A beautiful object with noticeable, old usage patina (colour scuffed) on the handle and grip. L: 110 cm. W: 26 cm (paddle).
2: Three fish arrows of the Ticuna Indians (see above). The arrow’s shaft consists of a long, straight and lightweight cane. In the lower section are bases with nocks to keep the arrow in place on the string (two are still present, one base now lost). At the upper end, longer bases made of wood are inserted into the shaft and attached with thread and black resin. The metal arrowheads, each with two prongs and three (1x) or four barbs (2x), are attached to these intermediate pieces of wood with a grommet. In the smaller fish arrow the iron head is inseparable from the base and the shaft. In the other two Ticuna fish arrows the iron heads are only placed on top and connected to the shaft by means of twisted strings. When the arrow hits a fish the arrowhead can separate from the shaft, in a manner similar to hunting with harpoons. L: 234 cm, 162 cm, 143 cm.
All the objects in the present mixed lot: first half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Austrian private collection.