The Maori Canoe

By Elsdon Best

Book Overview

"The Maori Canoe" is a definitive ethnological study that explores the intricate craftsmanship, spiritual significance, and historical evolution of the traditional waka within M?ori culture. Written by renowned ethnologist Elsdon Best, this work provides an exhaustive account of the various types of vessels used by the M?ori people of New Zealand, from the grand "waka taua" (war canoes) to the smaller river craft.

The text delves into the technical aspects of canoe construction, detailing the selection of timber, the tools employed in carving, and the complex rigging and propulsion systems used for coastal and blue-water navigation. Beyond the physical structure, "The Maori Canoe" examines the deep-seated spiritual beliefs and ceremonial rituals associated with the building and launching of these vessels. Best documents the traditional chants, the role of the tohunga (expert), and the symbolism found in the elaborate carvings that adorned the prow and stern pieces.

As a foundational text in Pacific maritime history, this work offers invaluable insights into the navigational prowess of the Polynesian ancestors and the central role that maritime technology played in the social and military life of the M?ori. It remains an essential resource for those interested in New Zealand history, indigenous engineering, and the cultural heritage of the Pacific.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025823559
• ISBN13: 9781025823553
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 1.39 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 0.8" x 6.1"