Northwest Coast Makah Dance Paddle

ca. 1960

1" H x 36.125" L x 5.0625" W

Hand Carved from Yellow Cedar with a Carved and Painted Outstretched Wings Eagle
In Very Good Condition

The Makah are a Northwest Coast Indigenous people whose traditional territory is at the northwestern tip of Washington state's Olympic Peninsula, centered around Neah Bay. They are renowned for their deep connection to the ocean, including skilled whaling, sealing, and canoe navigation.

A Makah dance paddle is a ceremonial object used in traditional dances, particularly those tied to canoe protocols, welcoming ceremonies, and cultural performances. Unlike everyday functional canoe paddles, dance paddles are often shorter, more decorative, and designed for rhythmic movement during dances.