Story: Waka – canoes

Hauling the waka (3rd of 3)

Hauling the waka

Once the log was rough hewn in the form of a waka, it was dragged by stout ropes plaited in five strands, as wide as a man’s wrist. At the prow and stern were projections of wood, in which holes were drilled. One rope was then attached to the prow, and two to the stern. The waka was rolled over skids – pieces of green timber.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Reference: Elsdon Best, The Maori canoe. Wellington: Dominion Museum, 1925, p. 103-104
Pencil sketch by A. H. Messenger

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How to cite this page:

Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr, 'Waka – canoes - Waka in New Zealand', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/6008/hauling-the-waka (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr, published 12 Jun 2006