The traditional carved paddles are used by many West Coast Natives to steer and paddle the large cedar canoes in the coastal waters of the Northwest Pacific. Native Paddles are also used during ceremonial dances and in the past, have also been used as deadly weapons.
Native Paddles Today
Today's West Coast Native Paddles are often magnificently carved and painted with traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast designs and stories. The following carved cedar paddles are mainly inspired by Haida and Kwakiutl or Kwakwaka'wakw traditions.