Paopao model

human history

Paopao model. Canoe model. This model is made from different types of wood and is an example of the paopao. The liu (hull), foe (paddle) and the ama (outrigger) of the paopao model are made from the wood of a Tava (island lychee) tree. While the 'iato (boom) and tu'itu'i (pegs) are made of 'ofe (bamboo). All these components are fafau (lashed) tightly together using 'afa (sennit). The liu has a smooth unpolished surface. Along the starboard side of the liu, the words APIA and SAMOA have been carved by hand. The 'iato are shaped like thin rectangles and are tightly fafau to the liu. On the opposite end of the 'iato, tu'itu'i have been fafau in groups of four. Several small holes have been drilled into the ama to secure the tu'itu'i which are made of thin cylindrical pieces of bamboo. The foe, in comparison to the paopao, is quite large in size and is smooth and undecorated. The paopao is a type of outrigger canoe used by the Samoan population for every day fishing done closer to land.

Accession number: 1973.16 Last Update: 21 Aug 2025
Other Name

Canoe model (English)

Place
Samoa/Pacific
Accession Number

1973.16

Accession Date

1973

Other Id

45951 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

Enquire API view
13 Images
canoe, model, 1973.16, 45951, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
View gallery ( 13)