Lakatoi Canoe Model, Papua New Guinea
Datec 1980
Object number00055536
NameModel
MediumWood and natural fibres
DimensionsOverall: 500 × 770 × 260 mm
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift of Peter Williamson
DescriptionA wooden lakatoi canoe model from Papua New Guinea was made in the early 1980s by a member of the Motu community. The model is an accurate representation of these import-trading canoes with three hulls, a deck, the superstructure and two sails, all made from locally sourced wood and fibres.
HistoryThe most characteristic of the Port Moresby craft is the lakatoi. The name is derived from laka (Motu form of iva, waka, waga, etc.), and toi (Motu form of tolu, three).
A lakatoi is composed of three or more asi, smaller canoes traditionally used for shorter coastal journeys. These are secured together by numerous cross beams which are tied by lashings that pass through square holes cut in their gunwales. Over these beams a large platform or deck (ilaha) is constructed. At each end of the platform an oblong deck-house is constructed with flat roofs and opening into the centre.
Lakatoi were traditionally used for trading expeditions, or hiri, to settlements at the mouths of rivers of the Papuan Gulf. The expeditions would leave at the end of September or the beginning of October, the season of the south-east trade wind being then near its close. On board the lakatoi were large quantities of earthenware pots and ornaments, to barter for sago and wood for asi. Early European accounts record upwards of 1200 pots could be carried on each lakatoi.
There were numerous rituals associated with the trading season and preperation of the vessels including decorations and sea trials. The fleet could consist of as many as 20 lakatoi, with about 29 men in each.
SignificanceThis model of a lakatoi is a very accurate representation of the three hulled canoes used by the Motu and related communities to trade thier clay pots for sago with the Erema people's communities further west in the gulf along the coastline of Port Moresby. This is called the Hiri trading voayge and is another example of a special community and cultural exchange that has come about and maintains a peaceful and fruitful relationship between communites in the region.
