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Vaka heke tolu

human history
  • Other Name

    Model canoe, 3 person (English)

  • Description

    Vaka heke tolu. Three person canoe. This is a model vaka (canoe). It is made entirely from wood material, pulu (cordage of coconut sennit fibres) and fua pule (cowrie shells). This model vaka also feature two model fohe (paddle) in different size and design. The base of main body of the vaka features a tino vaka (hull) component. Its base is curved and elongated.

    On top of this another component that portrays both the puke (stern and bow) and oa (central segment between the stern and bow ends) has been lashed on top of the tino vaka using pulu at both puke and oa sections. The surface of the puke and oa component has been carved out to portray geometric linear designs. They are chevron-like at either end and then change to portray cross-like figures along the side. Fua pule feature at either end of the puke over the pulu lashing. This has been repeated again along the oa section where the lashing is present. This vaka features a total of sixteen fua pule. Vaka decorated with fua pule is characteristic of Niuean style vaka. Inside the vaka, three seat components have been positioned defining its use as vaka heke tolu. Two tautoko (crossbooms) components have been lashed with pulu across the oa. Some of the lashings of pulu have become loose over time showing where a hama (outrigger) once existed. A loose length of pulu has been lashed and is connected by both tautoko indicating the potential presence of a spar. Both fohe are different in length and shape. One of the two fohe shows engraved diagonal designs across the blade and is longer in length. Both are made as separate components.

  • Place
  • Accession Number
    1972.125
  • Accession Date
    1972
  • Other Id

    45471 (ethnology)

  • Department
Vaka heke tolu, 1972.125, 45471, Photographed by Richard Ng,… … Read more

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