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.
Using 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 Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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