Mo‘okiha O Pi‘ilani: Launch Day Ceremonies: Original Mele (Song)
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 saltwater. Launch Day, Friday July 11th had finally arrived. The actual launch time was to coincide with the high tide that afternoon. A real treat was the performance by this teenager who sang a mele (song) of his own composition, celebrating the canoe and its future role in Maui culture.
Size: 4197px × 4538px
Location: Lahaina, HI, USA
Photo credit: © B. David Cathell / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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