Paddle converted into a food stirrer, of wood, from Tonga; part of the Forster collection (Forster 81; 1886.1.1367)

A paddle of carved wood with a single raised ridge across the top of the blade, 418 mm from the top of the handle. The blade is curved at the bottom and appears straight along the sides, though there is a slight bowing outward of the edges toward the bottom. This may indicate that the bottom of the paddle may have worn or broken thus forming its current shape. Other examples of similar paddles appear to have more of an S shaped curve. The paddle was broken in the past and repaired using a plaited cord of plant fibre that has been tightly wrapped around the handle of the paddle. The repair starts 173 mm from the top of the handle and is 63 mm in length. A large piece appears to be missing from the back of the handle and appears to have worn smooth. Regular markings, tool marks (?) are seen just below the repair on the front of the paddle.

• Museum database entry.