Massim Lagim, Kula Canoe Splashboard Elaborately carved splashboards, “lagim”, from the Massim culture adorned the Kula trading canoes. The designs had magical qualities that protected the voyagers from the numerous perils of the open seas. Being lost at sea never to return is an all-too-common situation in Papua New Guinea. It is no wonder the local trading canoes were packed with magical and spiritual power to ensure a safe passage. This particular splashboard is a beauty with two central figures standing between two bird heads. There are nice remains of white, black and orange pigments. The splashboard is 25 ¼” (64.2 cm) in height, dates to the early/mid 20th century and comes from the estate of Peter Keller, forever director of the Bowers Museum of Santa Ana. This one is a real beauty and sells for $2800—see the old field photograph by Bronislaw Malinowski circa 1918— “Nigadabuwa canoe with Namwanaguyau doing a slow punt along the shores of Khaulukuba beach. Image courtesy of LSE Library: MALINOWSKI/3/4/8.”