Story: Canoe traditions

Garden of seven stones, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Garden of seven stones, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

In the early 20th century the varied Māori accounts of founding canoes were simplified into a belief in a Great Fleet of seven canoes (Tākitimu, Tokomaru, Kurahaupō, Aotea, Tainui, Te Arawa and Mataatua). This garden in Rarotonga with seven stones was constructed to represent the seven canoes.

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Private collection, Lois Farrow
Photograph by Lois Farrow

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How to cite this page:

Rāwiri Taonui, 'Canoe traditions - The meaning of canoe traditions', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/2376/garden-of-seven-stones-rarotonga-cook-islands (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Rāwiri Taonui, published 8 Feb 2005