The impressive Austral Islands paddle from the Beyeler collection presents particularly rare features. The handle itself is unique in its complexity. Composed in the form of a square, it can be compared to another one published by Phelps (1976, fig.633) that James Hopper bought in Hertfordshire in 1942. Beyeler's paddle handle is ornamented with two rows of anthropomorphic figures encircling the object. The represented figures are stylized dancers holding each other hands. It is a typical motif referring to the dances accompanying important ceremonies. This pattern is also carved just above the paddle's blade, which is an uncommon feature. The elongated oval form of the latter is also unusual as the majority of these paddles have a lanceolate blade form (Phelps, 1976, p.149 for a group of paddles with teardrop-shaped blades). A paddle from the British Museum (Oc, LMS.26), bought in 1911 from the London Missionary Society can be compared to the Beyeler's paddle blade.
By its scale, its atypical form and its rarity, Beyeler's Austral paddle testifies of the connoisseurship of its previous owner.