Context (CMS Context)
This object was probably collected by Maudslay from the crew of the Daphne, a labour vessel back from the Solomon Islands and anchored at Levuka on the Island of Ovalau, Fiji. Maudslay and von Hügel visit the vessel for the first time on 3 September 1876 (Roth & Hooper 1990: 424) and visited again on 22 September: 'After lunch go with Maudslay and look at a collection of Solomon islands' native manufactures which were brought back in the Daphne labour vessel. A good lot of things but the owner has the cheek to ask £80 for them. We, therefore, pick and spend together some £22 - after having got all the best things' (Roth & Hooper 1990: 428).
Event Date 17/3/2016
Author: Lucie Carreau

Context (CMS Context)
Labels & inscriptions: an old label glued to the blade reads [printed:] 'Maudslay Coll. / [crossed out:] Fiji, 1876.' And added in pencil: 'SOLOMON ISLANDS'. A small square labels with internal blue border glued to the shaft reads: 'A.P.M. / VI.2 a' ['a' in superscript]. 'O.VI.2.1.M.' ['1' in superscript] inscribed in white ink on the shaft. 'Z 6322' inscribed in black ink on the shaft.
Event Date 17/3/2016
Author: Lucie Carreau

Description (CMS Description)
Long club of heavy dark wood with a beak-shaped flat blade. On both sides, the base of the blade is carved a 'W' in low relief (possibly representing a frigate bird), from which runs a longitudinal ridge all the way to the tip of the blade. The blade is cracked where it bends. The shaft is circular in section with a tapering butt. A very small hole drilled along the upper edge of the blade, probably for previous display purposes.
Event Date 17/3/2016
Author: Lucie Carreau

Description (CMS Description)
On catalogue card: 'Paddle of hard wood with scythe like blade and plain handle. Bought in Fiji.'
Event Date 17/3/2016
Author: Lucie Carreau