Waka (English pronunciation: /ˈwɒkə/, Maori [ˈwɒka]) are Māori watercraft, usually canoes ranging in size from small, unornamented canoes (waka tīwai) used for fishing and river travel, to large decorated war canoes (waka taua) up to 40 metres (130 ft) long. In recent years, large double-hulled canoes of considerable size have been constructed for oceanic voyaging to other parts of the Pacific Ocean.[1]
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Waka taua (war canoes) are large canoes manned by up to 80 paddlers and are up to 40 metres (130 ft)[2] in length. Large waka, such as Nga Toki Matawhaorua[3] which are usually elaborately carved and decorated, consist of a main hull formed from a single hollowed-out log, along with a carved upright head and tailboard. The gunwale is raised in some by a continuous plank which gives increased freeboard and prevents distortion of the main hull components when used in a rough seas. Sometimes the hull is further strengthened, as in the case of Te Winika, a 200-year-old design, by a batten or stringer running lengthwise both inside and outside the hull just above the loaded waterline.[4][5] The resurgence of Māori culture has seen an increase in the numbers of waka taua built, generally on behalf of a tribal group, for use on ceremonial occasions.
During the classic period a hapu (community of around 8 to 14 approx families) would select a Totara tree (native to New Zealand), the favoured wood (due to its high oil content) and prepare it years ahead for felling. This would include the removal of bark from one side of the trunk and the clearing of the ground and the planting of food crops for workers. After magical chants and prayers the tree would be felled by a combination of fires around the base and chopping with hand adzes. On an especially large tree with aerial roots a stage about 3m high was built of wood. On this was built a framework on which was suspended a giant upside down toki (axe), about 2.5m long. The long axis of the toki was tied to the cross member of the upper frame work so that it could pivot back and forwards, like a swing. Heavy rocks were tied to each side of the long axis at its lowest point to give momentum. The toki was pulled back and released so that the cutting edge bit into the wood that was weakened by fire. It could take 2-3 weeks to cut down a large tree in this manner. The head of the tree and branches were removed then the hull was roughly shaped insitu using fire and hand adzes, under the guidance of the chief designer. A stone adze was used by relatively gentle but regular and repeated blows. The head was soaked in water to make the binding swell and hold the stone blade more firmly. Once the shaping was complete the log of 3-4 tonne was pulled by teams of men to a stream or river using multiple ropes made from raupo. Some men pulled the waka forward while others restrained it on downhill slopes. Accidents at this stage were apparently common. Saplings were used as skids and rollers over uneven ground.The final shaping was done closer to the papakainga to be nearer to food. A waka could take a year to make if the construction went smoothly. If there was an accident or a death of an important person the waka could be abandoned. Such abandoned, semi finished waka have been found in post contact times. Most large waka were built in several main interlocking sections and stitched together with flax rope. Small pegs were put in the holes which swelled and sealed when wet. Tree gum could also seal the holes. A large finished waka weighed about 3 tonne and could remain in use for many decades. All large waka had names and were objects of pride and admiration. The image above shows the Waka Taua in the bay with unusually high freeboard. A noticeable feature of a loaded waka taua was its very low freeboard of 400-500mm which made the vessel unseaworthy in all but good weather,despite the presence of 1 or 2 young men on board dedicated to bailing. The normal timber used, Totara, is a very heavy native podocarp, which retains its natural oils even when cut down.This prevented the timber opening up and spliting but means the waka is heavy. Angela Ballara noted that they only put to sea when it was fine. One voyage across the stormy Cook Strait, was delayed for a week while the travellers waited for fine weather. The missionary William Williams, son of Henry Williams, noted that the voyage of a waka taua was a leisurely affair due to the requirements of foraging for food and waiting for fine weather.
Ocean-going waka, whatever their size, could be paddled but achieved their best speeds when propelled by sail. The Polynesian settlers of New Zealand migrated to New Zealand in large waka; some of these were waka hourua according to legend, double-hulled vessels. The names and stories associated with those waka were passed on in oral history (kōrero o mua) but dates names times and routes are frequently muddled and confused as the descendants of the settlers multiplied and separated into iwi (tribes) and hapu (sub-tribes). Consequently the word waka is used to denote a confederation of iwi descended from the people of one migratory canoe.
Early European explorers saw Māori using waka ama (outrigger canoes). "Sydney Parkinson, an artist on Captain James Cook’s first voyage to New Zealand in 1769, and the German scientist Johann Reinhold Forster, who sailed with Cook in 1773, described waka fitted with outriggers (ama, amatiatia or korewa)".[6][7] Already rare in Cook's time, waka ama had largely faded from memory by the early 19th century (Howe 2006:87). However, the term 'waka ama' occurs in old stories, such as the story of Māui published by in Grey in 1854 and in a few old waiata; Tregear also mentions the waka ama as 'a possession of the Maori', adding that 'It was beneath the outrigger of such a canoe that the famous Maui crushed his wife's brother Irawaru before turning him into a dog. Both the double canoe and that with the outrigger have entirely disappeared from among the Maoris, and it is doubtful if any native now alive has seen either of them in New Zealand' (Tregear 1904:115). The Māori words for the parts of the outrigger, such as 'ama' and 'kiato', recorded in the early years of European settlement, suggest that Māori outrigger canoes were similar in form to those known from central Polynesia.[8]
In recent years, waka ama racing, introduced from Pasifika nations into New Zealand during the 1980s and 1990s, using high-tech canoes of Hawaiian or Tahitian design, and supported with the ingenious support of work schemes, has become an increasingly popular sport in New Zealand, often performed as part of larger festivals.
Some waka, particularly in the Chatham Islands, were not conventional canoes, but were constructed from raupo (bulrushes) or flax stalks. In April 2011 Te Puni Kokiri ,The Maori Development Agency, announced a joint venture with an Auckland tribe, to build a plastic PVC waka as a promotion for local Maori. Most of the $2 million funding comes from the taxpayer but the tribe is contributing $100,000 and will retain ownership after the event. The "tupper waka" as it has been called in the media, is actually a small conference facility for well off visitors during the world rugby competition being held in New Zealand in September 2011. The graphic on TV shows that it is largely a promotional device with seating, tables and a bar. It will not be open to the general public according to the media briefing.
The word 'waka' is also used in broader senses that can be translated as 'vessel', 'container', or 'vehicle'.
A waka huia is a hollowed and carved vessel used for storing of taonga (treasures) such as the prized tail feathers of the now-extinct huia bird (Heteralocha acutirostris) that are worn as ornaments in the hair. Maori revered Huia feathers as symbols of high status. On her coronation Elizabeth II was presented with two huia feathers.[9]
In current Māori usage, waka is used to refer to cars but is more closely translated to vessel, along with the transliterated term 'motokā' (motorcar). The neologism 'waka-rere-rangi' (literally: waka (vessle) that sails the sky) was coined for aircraft. A 'waka hari hinu', (vessel that carries oil) is an oil tanker; a 'waka niho' (gear container) is a car's gearbox.
'Waka' can be used to refer transport in general, such as in 'Te Manatū Waka' (Ministry of Transport) and 'Waka Kotahi' (New Zealand Transport Agency).
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