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Waga (canoe) model from Paneati Island

Date1980s

Object number00055468

NameModel

MediumWood, fibre, shells

DimensionsOverall: 950 × 1007 × 408 mm, 2177 g

ClassificationsModels

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection, gift from Susan and Graeme Baxter

Terms

DescriptionModel of single outrigger 'Waga Hot' canoe from Paneati Island, Papua New Guinea. It is made of local woods and fibres and includes the decorative cowrie shells and carvings traditionally found on these craft. The model also features the rigging and traditional rectangular shaped pandanus sail set on a centrally mounted mast. HistoryThe diverse nature of PNG outrigger canoes includes a number of specialised trading canoes from different regions. Many are single outrigger types that sail between the communities. This is a model of a waga hot or eolalu and is a very accurate representation of this type of single outrigger canoe used by the Panaeati and related communities in the Calvados Chain of the Louisiade Archipelago in PNG for trade, transport and for their part of the Kula circle exchange. The Massim region is also known widely because of the Kula exchange system. This is a ceremonial exchange of shell armbands and shell necklaces amongst the island groups. The actual exchange is done neighbour to neighbour, but collectively the links between each neighbour form a ring or circle. Soulava is the circle of travel for the armbands and moves clockwise, while Mwali is the circle for the necklaces and the exchange moves counter-clockwise. Items are kept for at least 6 months before an exchange is expected to take place. The waga hot is no longer made in the region, having been superseded since the mid 1930s by the sailau, a simpler version of the single outrigger type. This model shows the construction and configuration of the craft very accurately with the only exception that a full size example would have 10 sets of frames, crossbeams and outrigger braces rather than the six on the model. It also shows the complex mast step arrangement that is unique to craft in this region of PNG. It was made by a canoe builder on Paneati Island probably in the 1980s or earlier, and purchased from the builder's grandson who was on nearby Panapompom Island by the donors when they visited the region in 2013.SignificanceThis model is one of the few models of the waga hot or eolalu in an Australian Collection. It very accurately represents the construction and configuration of this waga type which is now only known from written and image documentation.