Wa'a kau kahi. Single hull outrigger model canoe. Comprised of a single kino (hull) that is stained in a dark brown. The kino has been burned internally to weaken the area of wood for carving out the hollow. The mo'o (gunnels) that border the kino are stained a lighter shade of brown. This is made of two parts where the joins are visible at the kainaliu/pa'i hua (middle third of the canoe). The ama (float) and two 'iako (booms) that make up the outrigger are of a light coloured wood and made of of three parts. The outrigger is lashed with 'aha (coconut sennit) onto two v-shaped wae (u-spreaders) that sit between pepeiao (cleats) inside the kino. The lashing is burnt orange in colour and the wae is stained a dark brown. The ihu (bow of the wa'a) features a separate pale kai/kua (splash guard) in a black colour. Both the ihu and hope (stern end of wa'a) feature a manu (spatular shaped end).
Interested in Natural history?
Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.