The Vaka Taumako Project (VTP) preserves and perpetuates authentic
Polynesian seafaring by assisting Paramount Chief K. Kaveia in getting
support for building and sailing traditional voyaging canoes on
traditional routes using traditional navigation methods, and for
educating and informing Taumako youth, and others, about the
traditional knowledge and activities of Taumako.
More specifically, the VTP supports:
1) building and navigating voyaging canoes using traditional methods
and materials.
2) educating a new generation in voyaging skills and values,
3) documenting and disseminating information on the practical and
spiritual nature of such knowledge, and
4) arranging cultural exchanges and alliances which promote awareness and
revival of authentic Polynesian voyaging.1
A few elders of Taumako are unique today in that they actually voyaged
using only traditional technology and methods, and they still can and
will teach many skills that are no longer known by other Polynesians.
These include how to: navigate using only ancient methods over known
and unknown seaways; build Polynesian voyaging canoes from completely
natural materials and stone-age tools; handle these craft in the open
ocean in all conditions; weave, loft, and use pandanus 'crab claw'
sails; make natural fiber cordages and lash canoe parts; predict
weather; prepare food and cargo; cultivate or caretake, select, and
harvest plants used in voyaging; perform ancient protocols for
ordering canoes and cargo, and for making visits and hosting
travelers; and, not least, teach young people to handle the practical
and spiritual challenges of the voyaging life.
The Vaka Taumako Project was started in 1996, by Paramount Chief of
Duff Islands, Koloso Kaveia, aided by Dr. Mimi George, an American
anthropologist and sailor specialized in voyaging cultures.
The Vaka Taumako Project benefits all people by the revival and
dissemination of authentic Polynesian voyaging knowledge, and strives
to protect the intellectual property rights and intangible heritage of
the Taumako community.
1 Vaka Taumako translates "voyaging canoes of Taumako."
Taumako is a small, volcanic island located in the remote Duff
Islands of the Santa Cruz Group in the southeast Solomon Islands.
It is a Polynesian outlier, inhabited by people of Polynesian
descent, language, culture, and lifestyle.
