Boat Name
Boat Use
Boat Type
Build Date
Country of Origin
Area of Origin
Boat Dimensions
Length
11 ft 10 in
Width
2 ft 4 in
Photographs
Description
The Te Bao Bao (there is no b in the Ellice language) is a ceremonial canoe used on the lagoons of the Ellice Islands. The coral atolls that comprise the greater part of many of the South Pacific islands enclose lagoons of calm shallow salt water.
The design and decoration of this small craft are traditional, but the craftsmanship shows considerable European influence.
The multitude of brass screws in the floorboards probably gives the game away - along with the pinned dowels that hold the planks together. We think this boat was probably built in a trade-school, to teach the pupils various generally useful skills. There is nothing typically Ellice Island about it but it was certainly presented to Prince Charles on the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to the Pacific in 1959.
2-fathom Ellice canoe (Te Paopao) made of 'Buka' wood, complete with flying fish net, Bonito fishing rod, pearl shell hooks, 4 paddles, punt poles, coconut shell water bottles, bailer and castor oil fish hook.
History
Presented to Prince Charles on the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to the Pacific in 1959.
Larry Russ Posted: 1 year ago | Reply
I need the blue prints to build a punt pole