Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 2018-0003-0003A-E   CAS 2018-0003-0003A-E; Outrigger canoe model with 3 oars / paddles
Category Carvings; Watercraft
Object Name Outrigger canoe model with 3 oars / paddles
Culture Polynesian: Tuvaluan
Global Region Oceania
Country Tuvalu
State/Prov./Dist.
County
Other Geographic Data Atoll: Funafuti
Maker's Name unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1943
Collection Name N/A
Materials Wood; Cowrie (Cypraeidae) shell; Plant fiber
Description A=Canoe; B=Smallest oar; C=Mid-sized oar; D=Largest oar; E=Fishing pole; Model of outrigger canoe consisting of hand carved dugout canoe with straight keel and tapered bow and stern; Canoe is constructed in two pieces, a deeper lower portion with a fitted upper portion lashed to the bottom; Cowrie shells decorate most of the lashings between the two parts; Stern is carved with a double protruding, fish-tail like end; Short wooden crossbars are positioned regularly across the hull from side to side; Fitted with single outrigger on port side, lashed to canoe with series of poles and plant fiber cordage; Three single-blade oars accompany the canoe, each with a leaf-shaped blade and long handle; Also included is s a re-moveable fishing pole that hooks into a loop near the stern; All pieces are stained a dark rust brown color.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 11.5, Width = 29.4, Length = ca. 92.0