Does anyone know if specific cultures would paint their paddles in designs that had meaning? Obviously, many different cultures from Vikings to Native Americans to tribes all over the equator would use and decorate paddles, but do these decorations have any meaning? Do they simply signify the group? I believe I read someplace that voyageurs would dip the tip of their paddles in red when they were considered experienced. Thank you all for your knowledge!

To me, painting paddles is not as important as their design, the wood used to make the paddle and the degree to which a paddle reflects a product of beauty from the hands of a skilled craftsman or woman. So yes, I do see my paddles of works of art and I use several to decorate my cabin just as if they were a painting or sculpture. I am sure many others on this board do the same. I have seen some nifty painted paddles over the years but in my opinion, well designed and crafted paddles made from natural wood need little help from painting. My 2 cents. JerryG