A Maori paddle hoe New Zealand wood

A Maori paddle hoe

New Zealand

wood, with a flat sided leaf shape blade, the top section carved scrolls and linear decoration, with a curved handle with a zig-zag carved terminal, early 19th century,

141.5cm long.

Provenance

Thomas Laslett (1811 - 1887) and thence by descent.

Thomas Laslett (1811 - 1887) started his career as a carpenter on the HMS Buffalo to New Zealand 1833 - 1834, assisting the surveyors. He subsequently became the Timber Inspector for the Admiralty on three more voyages to New Zealand, 1837 - 38, 1839 - 41 and 1841 - 43. This was collected by him on these timber gathering expeditions.