This model is a reconstruction of how the Cook Islands double hull canoes from the island of Mangaia must have looked like. There is very little litterature available about those canoes but we know that the islanders used the same type hull as the one used for their outriggers to build the double hull. It is interesting to note that the double hull canoes of the Cook archipelago had many features in common with those from Hawaii, Marquesan Islands and New-Zealand. This model is based on the hull on display at the NEW ZEALAND MUSEUM Te Papa Tongarewa.
It is to my knowledge the only model of a Cook Islands double hull canoe ever made with such accuracy and details.
This model is a reconstruction of how the Cook Islands double hull canoes from the island of Mangaia must have looked like. There is very little litterature available about those canoes but we know that the islanders used the same type hull as the one used for their outriggers to build the double hull. It is interesting to note that the double hull canoes of the Cook archipelago had many features in common with those from Hawaii, Marquesan Islands and New-Zealand. This model is based on the hull on display at the NEW ZEALAND MUSEUM Te Papa Tongarewa.
It is to my knowledge the only model of a Cook Islands double hull canoe ever made with such accuracy and details.
COOK ISLANDS . "VAKA A'UA'U"
Cook Islands double hull canoe fully rigged.
A close up view of the many carvings and designs decorating the model.
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.
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.