Rakeitonga

human history

Outrigger canoe named 'Rakeitonga'. renowned in Tikopian tradition for its voyages to Anuta and the New Hebrides (c. 1900). The canoe was re-lashed and rigged by Tikopian men from the mission ship 'Southern Cross' in October 1953 under the direction of James Spillius.

Last Update: 3 Aug 2026

Other Name

canoe, outrigger (English)

Place

Tikopia/Solomon Islands

Accession Date

1916

Other Id

12992 (ethnology)

1885 (ethnology)

13658 (Asset Register)

Department

Pacific

Public Access Text

This vaka tapu was built by Pue Auekofe for Te Ariki Taumako, the chief of the Taumako clan of Tikopia. It is famous in Tikopian tradition and made long ocean voyages to Anuta and Vanuatu. In 1953, it was rigged in the Auckland Museum by Tikopian crewmen from the Melanesian Mission ship, Southern Cross.

Named after an ancestor of Te Ariki Taumako, as a vaka tapu, this canoe has its own spirit guardians. In seasonal canoe rituals, appeals are made to these spirits to protect fishermen and to ensure a successful harvest from the sea.

Rakeitonga

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Rakeitonga

Rakeitonga

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