Nga Waka Maori: Maori Canoes

Description

Author: Anne Nelson Format: 260 x 210 mm landscape, softcovered Pages: 126 Among the finest creations of Maori culture are without doubt the magnificent waka taua or war canoes. Richly carved and elaborately painted and decorated, they were were regarded as the foremost status symbol of a tribe until the 18th century. But waka taua were just one of a number of different types of waka which played an essential role as the only form of transport in pre-European New Zealand. This book looks at the origins and development of Maori canoes, the different types, the spiritual significances, their central role in Maori society and how this role changed with European contact. It describes waka racing in pre- and post-European times, explains how waka were manned, paddled, sailed and navigated around the New Zealand coastline, on rivers such as the Waikato and Wanganui, and in the Chatham Islands. Included are profiles of some of the best-known waka taua. Extensively illustrated, thoroughly researched and written by a leading authority on the subject, this book provides fascinating reading for anyone with an interest in Maori history and culture as well as in traditional marine craft and navigation.