Vaka (model canoe)

This a model of a vaka (outrigger canoe) from Tokelau. Tokelauan people use vaka for transport around the atolls or to travel to fishing spots within and beyond the reef. They are usually propelled using paddles or sails. An ama (outrigger float) helps keep the vessel stable in the sea. Sometimes the vaka are built large enough to carry several men. However, one or two men can comfortably operate in a vaka and carry out most of the tasks associated with fishing.  In the early 21^st century, plank built vaka were rare and being replaced by aluminium and inflatable motorised dinghies.

Construction

A full sized vaka is usually made from short planks of wood sewn together with coconut fibre (sennit). In this model, the model maker has left out the detailing of joined planks. It comprises of a hollowed out hull with four kiato (outrigger booms) connected to an ama (outrigger float). The bow cover of the hull is decorated with a three dimensional bird figure carved in light wood and decorated with a paua shell inlay. The bow and stern covers also have a row of decorative square wooden projections to which shells (two at bow, one at stern) have been tied. All the fittings and connections on the canoe have been tied and lashed with coconut fibre /sennit. Two model bailers are included with the model, one of them is attached to the kiato. Four paddles made from a dark wood are in the hull. In 2018, a few craftsmen made model vaka to present as gifts or for export overseas.

This model vaka is part of a collection acquired from Government House, Wellington, and may have been presented to New Zealand Governors General sometime between the 1960s to 1990s.