Mo‘okiha O Pi‘ilani: Launch Day Ceremonies: High Tide Launch Begins
Mo‘okiha O Pi‘ilani is the newest member of the Polynesian Oceangoing Canoe fraternity, built by Hui O Wa’a Kaulua, Maui's Voyaging Society. The ancient Polynesians built similar craft from large trees which they hollowed out, connecting two in parallel with cross members to provide a stable base. The crab claw sail (AKA Oceanic lateen or sprit) was triangular in shape with spars along the upper and lower edges. Traditionally, the sails were made of woven pandanus leaves which are resilient and resistant to salt water. Finally, the high tide was here and it was time to begin the launch. The ancient Polynesians thought of the launching of a voyaging canoe as its birth — thus the traditional ceremony is filled with that symbolism. A large rock, representing the land, was held by kūpunas (elders) and connected to the canoe by a rope fashioned out of ti leaves, representing the umbilical cord. After further blessings, the cord was cut and the canoe was slowly, meticulously, lowered into the ocean. The gathered crowd was silent, as if holding its collective breath, as Mo‘okiha O Pi‘ilani first touched the water then gently lifted off the towing rig.
Size: 4907px × 7360px
Location: Lahaina, HI, USA
Photo credit: © B. David Cathell / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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