Maori Waka

[Tronhard]

A Maori single hull Waka (a traditional canoe) is not often seen by a public slipway, so I was surprised to encounter one when I was taking 'she who must be obeyed' to her paddle boarding class this morning at Okahu Bay, Auckland. Wakas come in all sorts of sizes were used for everything from transport to war vessels. This one is almost certainly being redied for the Auckland Anniversary regatta later this month, and the New Zealand Day celebrations on February 6th. They are an impressive sight when one sees them on the water, paddled by a chanting crew.


The canoe's length is about 20m, they largest I have seen was over 30m


The prow glowers down at the other boats in the distance

The 'captain' would stand at the prow and keep a lookout, and be ready to greet or monster other vessels.




The stern is intricately carved with a reclining figure to guard the vessel This is where the steersman would be located

[Tony M]

I wouldn't like to come across that in a dark strait, especially loaded with ferocious Maori warriors.

[John 2]

Fascinating series Trev. Is all the decoration all carved wood?

[madcrow]

Great story with lots of detailed images to match. Well taken and thanks for sharing.

[Tronhard]

Hi John:

Yes, the boats are made from a combination of a dug-out tree - almost certainly a Kauri Tree, with the sides raised with planking. They are very heavy and you can imagine the effort to not only paddle them, but to move them across land and down to the beaches to launch.

Fascinating series Trev. Is all the decoration all carved wood?

[John 2]

I wondered. Carving of that intricacy is a rare skill in this day and age.

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[Tronhard]

The Maori have a tradition of intricate and highly skilled carving. it takes a society with a reasonable amount of agricultural surplus to educate and employ the specialist carvers needed to make these artworks. Consequently is was, and is, a matter of pride for Maori Iwi (tribal units) to be able to have the resources to have such carving, and it is proudly displayed on their meeting houses, boats and artifacts. Maori culture is experiencing a resurgence, and they contribute significantly to NZ's society, language and economy.

I wondered. Carving of that intricacy is a rare skill in this day and age.

[NorthernFocus]

Cool looking boat. I like all three of the detail shots of the prow.

[JBW]

well done.

[Manfred M]

A nice series here Trev. It would be an interesting counterpoint to do a series featuring Haida war canoes.

I remember chatting with a Haida when we were up on Haida Gwaii a number of years ago. He was part of a group that paddled one down the Seine River in heart of Paris as part of some cultural celebration - that would have been an interesting event to photograph.

[Tronhard]

A nice series here Trev. It would be an interesting counterpoint to do a series featuring Haida war canoes.
.

I agree! I would love to do a similar project with the Haida or other First Nations. I will be returning to Victoria in April, so I shall see what I can do!