Object

Result 1 of 1

Record Image
Accession No TE.014
Name/Title MODEL, CANOE; PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Brief Description This model outrigger canoe comes from Milne Bay Province, Massim Cultural Area in Papua New Guinea. Between the canoe and outrigger is a platform of strips of wood lashed together. The outrigger has six supports running from the canoe hull, onto which a platform is lashed. Both are attached to the outrigger by four crossed poles lashed together and stuck into holes in the outrigger. The wood of the outrigger has been scorched to leave a striped pattern on it while the wood of the canoe hull is carved and decorated at each end and in a strip along the non-outrigger side. Some parts are stone cut while others are worked with metal tools. There are ornamental attachments at each end of the canoe. It is decorated in red, blue and white paint.

The outrigger canoe is a model of the trading canoes from the Massim area that are part of a ceremonial exchange system called Kula. They have very elaborately carved splashboards and prow boards. On this one there are stylised birds and people.

Models like this were made throughout the Pacific. Some were made to teach boys about building and handling a canoe, some were raced and simpler canoes were made as toys. After contact with the western world they were made to sell to collectors. The care taken in their construction and the precision of their proportions shows the significance of the sea in the lives of Pacific Islands peoples.

Most Pacific Islands groups are represented in the Museum’s extensive Pacific collection. This reflects the travel destinations and interests of Whanganui residents, past and present, whose spirit of adventure or willingness to serve others took them throughout the Pacific.
Classification Canoe, Outrigger/Water Transportation - Equipment/Water Transportation/Distribution & Transportation Artifacts/Nomenclature
Primary Prod Place Papua New Guinea
Production Notes MILNE BAY MASSIM
Measurement Reading 170 x 39 x 22.5cm
Select this result

Whanganui Regional Museum

TEL: 64 (6) 349 1110

FAX: 64 (6) 347 6512

EMAIL US

FINDING US

Main entrance from the forecourt of
the War Memorial Hall, Watt Street.

MUSEUM HOURS

10.00 am - 4.30 pm seven days

Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday

Archive Hours Monday to Friday 10.00 am - 1.00 pm