Va'a (Model of a single hull canoe)

Va'a. Model of a single hull canoe. The hull, side planking, prow and stern covers are all carved from ra'au (wood) and connected together with nape (coconut sennit lashing). The model canoe is decoratively carved on all outer surfaces. The planking along the sides of the hull are carved into series of ti'i (stylised faces of ancestral figures). The canoe stern and prow covers are decoratively carved with ti'i as well as incised geometric linework. The entire hull is decoratively carved in light relief with a central motif made up of eight ti'i. The interior of the hull is plain and undecorated. A long thin rod of bamboo or balsa wood at each side of the hull help to secure the side planking and hull components together. Small white feathers are tucked in between the lashing along each side of the hull. The model canoe is brown in colour.