Great addition Jim. In the description of the paddles mention is made of a median ridge to add strength which does seem to suggest many have some weight and a varied function most likely. It is the similarity to African blades that is so interesting. The overall shapes, the topography, median ridge and tips we have all seen before many threads on African arms. The actual canoe paddles are more noticeably paddles and of the most exquisite carving.
Wonderful mix of Amerindian and African.