COOK ISLANDS VOYAGING CANOE

Delving into the past, this model is a reconstruction of the enigmatic Cook Islands double hull canoes from the island of Mangaia. Scant literature exists about these canoes, making this journey of discovery all the more exclusive. We know that the islanders ingeniously repurposed the same hull used for their outriggers to construct the double hull. Intriguingly, the double hull canoes of the Cook archipelago shared numerous features with those from Hawaii, the Marquesan Islands, and New Zealand. This model is a faithful representation based on the hull displayed at the NEW ZEALAND MUSEUM Te Papa Tongarewa.

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COOK ISLANDS . "VAKA A'UA'U"

COOK ISLANDS . "VAKA A'UA'U"

Cook Islands double hull canoe fully rigged.

Cook Islands double hull canoe fully rigged.

A close up view of the many carvings and designs decorating the model.

A close up view of the many carvings and designs decorating the model.

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The hulls

The hulls

Zoom into the picture and have a look at the many carvings and designs done and applied on this canoe. The top of the gunnels are fully carved and over 700 individual designs decorate the hulls. Similarly each seat is decorated with carvings in the manner of the Cook Islands ancient designs.

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Reproducing on this model the majectic raised stern of the  "VAKA A'UA'U" at the Museum of New-Zealand Te Papa Tongarewea.

Reproducing on this model the majectic raised stern of the  "VAKA A'UA'U" at the Museum of New-Zealand Te Papa Tongarewea.

Bow of the canoe hull showing carving details.

Bow of the canoe hull showing carving details.