Carved Waka Taua on stand - by Wood Masters

Carved Waka Taua (canoe)

103cm x 42cm x 12cm


About Waka Taua:

Waka taua ranged from 9 to over 30 metres long. Waka holding up to 100 people were observed by James Cook during his voyages in the 18th century, while others observed equally substantial waka in the 19th century.

Waka taua were ornately adorned and carved. They were sometimes referred to as waka pītau, which describes spiral carving that supports the carved figurehead in the tauihu (prow).

Stock photo - woodgrain varies slightly