Story: Waka – canoes
The addition of sails to Polynesian vessels gave more power and allowed canoes to travel faster and further than with paddles. Two hulls gave stability and seaworthiness. This sketch of a double-hulled canoe (labelled ‘C’) was made by Abel Tasman in his journal while at Tongatapu in 1643.
About this item
Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: PUBL-0106-001
Photolithograph after a drawing by Isaac Gilsemans
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.