Polynesian Boatbuilding

Specific design considerations and fabrication procedures for building a voyaging canoe.
Hands on demonstration
A review of Polynesian navigation system with time for Q. and A.

7pm Wednesday, February 22nd and Thursday, February 23rd 2012

Spaulding Center Members: $10 per night; Non-members $15 per night

Space is limited, so please sign up ASAP by contacting Andrea Rey andrea@spauldingcenter.org
phone: (415) 332-3179. 

“A pregnant woman demanded that her husband kill a particular father eel, of the type called tuna, that was the only one that would satisfy her cravings. The father eel sent each of his ten children out of their stone house to try to fool the man, but finally the father eel went out himself to be caught into the waiting noose. Before he died he told the man to save his tale and let Lata, their soon to be born child, suckle on it” 

Thus begins ‘The Story of Lata’ the first person to build and sail a voyaging canoe as told by Polynesian people of Taumako Island in the SE Solomons. This story is a step-by-step, definitive guide to the ancient arts. The heirs of Lata share it with you now.

The only remnants of ancient voyaging canoes are some partial planks found in Tahiti. But the heirs of Lata in Taumako make two versions of Lata’s heavily outrigged, proa, voyaging canoes.

Come see how it is done and try your hand at some of the key skills.

Some of you will recall the June 2011 lecture of Dr. Mimi George, cultural anthropologist and sailor specialized in voyaging cultures. She helped Chief Kaveia of Taumako start The Vaka Taumako Project - to teach and document the ancient heritage of this people with a new generation of voyagers. Dr. George will again visit the Spaulding Center for back-to-back presentations: (Part 1: February 22nd and Part 2: February 23rd), joined by Vaka Taumako Project collaborator H. M. Wyeth who will guide us in Polynesian protocol and hands on cordage and sail making skills. 

The focus will be specific design considerations and fabrication procedures for building a voyaging canoe. Additionally, a review of Polynesian navigation system will be given with time for Q. and A.

In this new Feb. series, Dr. George will show:

• How the folk story of Lata guides the builders
• What materials are used, how they are wildcrafted, harvested and prepared
• Weaving, adzing, lashing, and harvesting techniques
• Design features and choices
• How dimensions are determined
• Performance considerations
• How the labor force work together - who does what
• What foods and supplies and agreements are required for the laborers
• How the crew is chosen and what each one does